Midge Larva
Description
The Midge Larva is a minimalist, ultra-realistic imitation of the aquatic larval stage of chironomids (midges), one of the most abundant food sources in trout streams worldwide. Representing the small, worm-like insects that live near the stream bottom, this pattern is especially effective in winter and during periods of selective feeding, when trout key in on tiny subsurface prey. Its slim, segmented body and subtle profile make it deadly in clear water and pressured fisheries.
Recommended sizes: 22, 24
Materials
Tying Instructions
- 1.
Start the yellow UTC 70 thread just behind the hook eye. Take about 10–12 wraps rearward and trim the tag end.
- 2.
Lay a short length of copper extra-small wire along the near side of the hook shank. Secure it with touching thread wraps all the way back into the bend.
- 3.
Bring the thread forward to just behind the hook eye.
- 4.
Using flattened thread (spin the bobbin counterclockwise), create a smooth, lightly tapered body: wrap 1/3 down the shank and back up, then 2/3 down and back up, then all the way down and back up, end with thread just behind the hook eye.
- 5.
Wrap the copper wire forward in open spiral turns to segment the body. Secure the wire with thread and break it off cleanly.
- 6.
Use a dark brown permanent marker to color about 2–3 inches of the thread.
- 7.
With the brown-colored thread, build a tiny head behind the eye.
- 8.
Whip finish with 5–6 turns and cut the thread.
- 9.
Apply a small drop of head cement only to the head.