Smokejumper Midge

intermediateemergermidgewinterspringtrouttailwaterstillwatersmall fly

Description

The Smokejumper Midge imitates a midge pupa hanging in the film as it sheds its shuck. The slim thread body, fine rib, trailing shuck, and CDC wing keep the fly sparse and light for tailwaters, spring creeks, and stillwater edges during winter and spring midge activity.

Materials

Tying Instructions

1.
Secure the scud or emerger hook in the vise with the shank level.
2.
Start the olive thread one eye length behind the eye and wrap a smooth thread base back to the bend.
3.
Tie in a sparse strand of olive Antron at the bend, extending about half a shank length beyond the hook.
4.
Tie in the extra-small silver wire at the bend and bind it down along the near side of the shank.
5.
Wrap the olive thread forward in touching turns to form a slim abdomen ending about two-thirds up the shank.
6.
Spiral the silver wire forward in open, even turns over the abdomen.
7.
Tie off the wire at the front of the abdomen and helicopter the excess free.
8.
Dub a small amount of olive superfine dubbing onto the thread.
9.
Wrap a compact thorax just behind the eye, leaving enough bare space for the CDC wing and head.
10.
Tie in a small CDC feather or CDC fibers on top of the thorax with the tips projecting forward over the eye.
11.
Pull the CDC tips back over the top of the fly and secure them so they angle upward as a short wing.
12.
Build a small thread head, whip finish, trim the CDC wing to about one hook gap, and apply a light touch of head cement.