Pat’s Midge

Description

Pat’s Midge is one of the most versatile midge patterns available. In larger sizes (#14-18) it imitates midge clusters and in smaller sizes (#20-22) it imitates single midges. Adult midges emerge by pulling themselves out of their pupal shuck and break through the surface. As they emerge, the adult midge appears to be twice as the size as the pupa because the trailing shuck is still attached to the adult’s body. Pat’s Midge was designed to imitate these midges with trailing shucks.  These vulnerable midges are known as cripples.

Fishing Strategies

More times than not, you’ll use Pat’s Midge to imitate individual adult midges in sizes (#20-22). It is a proven pattern that fools fish during the height of a midge hatch. As a general rule, the best midge hatches occur during the last two hours before dark. This is technical dry fly fishing, which requires long leaders and 7X tippet. If you are having difficulty locating your fly on the water try a Hi-Vis Griffith Gnat. A Griffith Gnat works well for dry and dropper rigs too. We recommend trailing a tungsten Mercury Flashback Beauty or a Mercury Brassie with 18-24 inches of 6X tippet when trout are keying on midge pupa just below the surface.

Recipe:

Hook: #18-22 Tiemco 101
Thread: Black UTC 70 Denier
Shuck: Antron or Z-Lon
Wing: EP Fibers
Thorax: Peacock herl (eye)
Hackle: Grizzly rooster