The Best Anglers Never Stop Learning

The Best Anglers Never Stop Learning

Nymph

Simple Midge Larva

Insect Species Icon Midges
Difficulty Icon Easy - < 1 Min
Water Category Icon Coldwater

Tying Video

Become a Member

Sign up for full access to the Learning Center
and all the FlyBrary Content.
Tying Recipe
  • Hook: Straight Eye, Standard Wire, 3X Long, Semi-Dropped Point
  • Thread: UTC 70 Denier, Yellow Olive
  • Rib: X-Small Ultra Wire, Coper
  • Head: UTC 70 Denier, Yellow Olive, Colored with Permanent Marker

Thread, wire, and a hook are the only three things in use here which makes it pretty much impossible to switch one of them out for a different materiel. Although there isn’t any substitutions for this pattern, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the necessary components at your local fly shop, or laying on your desk somewhere.

Midges are active year round, in almost every water shed, and come in countless colors and sizes. With that being said, it is important to have plenty of colors tied up in multiple sizes. Some popular colors are white, black, olive, and red. By no means are you limited to those colors, but that is a good starting point. You may also change out the color of the wire rib for whatever colors you’re liking at the moment.

This really may be one of the simplest patterns that ever makes it’s way off of your vise. Just because it’s easy to tie, doesn’t mean you should discount it’s uses though. With great segmentation, and so many color options there is sure to be a version of this pattern to satisfy the needs of most anglers, in most places. Don’t be afraid to have a few extra beverages while you tie these up either, they’re hard to mess up.

The Simple Midge Larva is most comfortable in smaller sizes, and at the bottom of a nymph rig led by one or two bigger, heavier flies, and possibly some split shot if need be. This simplistic little fly will surely surprise you when you see how keen the fish are on something with so little on it. This is a great tailwater, picky fish, or winter bug. If you’re dealing with all three, even better! This pattern can handle it.

Midges

Regional Hatch Chart Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Region: West, Northwest, East, Southeast, Midwest
Midges
Sizes: #14 - #26

Become a Member

Sign up for full access to the Learning Center
and all the FlyBrary Content.