Manhattan Midge
Description
A classic midge emerger that imitates the translucent, segmented pupal stage of chironomids rising through the surface film. Works on stillwaters, spring creeks, and tailwaters year-round as a dropper or single fly in sizes 16–22.
Materials
- thread: Black 8/0 or 70-Denier Thread
- head: Black Head Lacquer
- body: Black Superfine dubbing
- hackle: Grizzly Hackle
- wing: Pearl Mylar
- hook: Scud/Emerger Hook
Tying Instructions
- 1.
Secure black thread at the eye, working back toward the bend, then build a thread base forward to about one-third back on the shank.
- 2.
Tie in three to four black fibers at the bend for the tail (optional; omit for a tailless dressing).
- 3.
Load black superfine dubbing into a dubbing loop, twist a fine leader, and wrap forward from the tail to just behind the eye, building body and thorax in one section with light tension.
- 4.
Tie in a short, thin strip of Pearl Mylar at the rear of the thorax and wrap it forward along the back to just behind the eye. Trim the Mylar to about one and a half times the hook shank length.
- 5.
Tie in a grizzly hackle at the rear of the thorax and collar it with three to four wraps around the thorax, stopping just short of the eye.
- 6.
Whip finish and apply head cement.