midge nymphs

[GeorgeMcFly]

made a few midge nymphs today in size 16. I used this green midge tubing I had. it didn't fit over the hook so I tied it in and wrapped it. also had a strand of chartruese crystal flash tied in on the back which I used to wrap over the tubing for sparkle. topped it off with the peacock herl. what ya think? 1st one I ever tried to make. I made a couple to try out as a dropper pattern off a foam bug this summer. what are some other good colors of tubing to get. I like the stuff. easy to use. might get some size 18 hooks also since 16 is a lil big for a midge. at least according to all the books and websites I read

[Frank Whiton]

Hi McFly,

I bet it will catch a fish. If I was tying your midge I might use a little less herl.

If you want to tye some really useful midges tye some Zebra midge's. Very popular and useful. I like them with a tungsten bead. Here is a link to a recipe. Size 16 and 18 is a good size.

Hey McFly, I just looked at this post again and I wanted to clarify one thing. I didn't mean to say your midge is not useful if it sounded that way. I think you did good and it should catch fish.

Frank

Zebra Bead Head

[Frank Whiton]

McFly,

I also like a red midge with a black bead head. You can use red vinyl rib, or V rib, like this fly. I also like this fly with a red floss body slightly tapered and a black bead. Size 16 or 18 is good.

Frank

[aroostookbasser]

nice midges........prefer the floss body myself.

[BigCliff]

Frank- you mean a tungsten bead?

A Ti bead would make the toughest midge ever, but wouldn't add a whole lot of weight.

[Joni]

I tie them both ways. With and without bead and I guess I use too much peacock also cause mine looks like yours McFly.
That Zebra is awesome. I tie a Chironomid up in Black floss with white wire and either a black tungsten bead and a tuft of white antron for gills or just a white tungsten bead. I tie them as big as 14. In the spring just look at what is floating on some of the waters. The Black and White is the most popular for me. My favorite DEEP NYMPHING fly.
Good job you guys. McFly you ought to do a step by step for the FAQ.

Any body tried Red Thread covered with either Mylar or Tan Flexi-Floss....cool stiff.

[GeorgeMcFly]

I will make some zebra midges next. also I will make a step by step asap when I got a few minutes. . keep ya posted

[doc]

Originally Posted by Frank Whiton

Hi McFly,

I bet it will catch a fish. If I was tying your midge I might use a little less herl.

If you want to tye some really useful midges tye some Zebra midge's. Very popular and useful.

Frank, I used to tie and use these a ton. Always loved them but liked it with the hurl so I started tying them with. Then I just left out the stretch floss and now I tie them with just black 8/0. I also add a coat of Sally Hanson's Hard As Nails for some shine. My second favorite chironomid to tie up.

McFly, that tie will catch fish for sure but I agree with Frank about the hurl. As far as a bead, if you're fishing it as an emerger close to the surface there's no need for a bead but if you're fishing it as a dropper, fishing it deep or under an indicator, the bead will get it down for you.

Here's a couple of my chironomid (midge) patterns... Doc's Patterns

Cheers,
Doc

[Joni]

Doc, that first one I call the "IRISH SPRING" I use the red tag, and then the body is Kelly Green Flashabou with copper rib and copper bead. But I do the Peacock with a wing case and gills.



Here is a double off a Partridge Swim Hook




And here is the black and white. I find the gills make it swim side to side.

[fysh]

Joni,
Your double bug looks interesting, I like it.
Have you ever had any issues with the swimming nymph hooks straightening out? I had it happen a couple times many years ago and havn't used them since, just curious if maybe they are using a little heavier wire now.