Zebra Midge
Description
The Zebra Midge is a minimalist nymph pattern designed to imitate midge larvae and pupae. Its slim, segmented body and subtle flash closely match the natural profile of real midges, making it highly effective in clear water and pressured fisheries. Simple in construction yet extremely productive, it is a staple pattern in trout boxes worldwide.
What It Imitates This fly represents midge larvae or pupae, one of the most abundant and consistent food sources in most rivers, tailwaters, spring creeks, and stillwaters. Midges are present year-round and are especially important when larger insects are not active.
When to Fish It (Season)
- Winter: One of the most reliable winter patterns when trout feed almost exclusively on midges.
- Early Spring & Late Fall: Excellent during cold water periods with limited hatch activity.
- Year-Round: Effective any time midges are present, especially in tailwaters and spring creeks.
Where It Works Best
- Tailwaters and spring creeks
- Slow to moderate currents
- Deep pools and seams
- Lakes and stillwaters under an indicator
How to Fish It
- Fish it as a dropper behind a larger nymph or dry fly
- Under a strike indicator with light tippet
- On a Euro-nymphing rig with light weight
- As part of a two-fly midge setup
Why It Works The Zebra Midge’s thin profile, subtle flash, and ability to sink quickly allow it to stay in the strike zone longer. Trout see midges constantly, making this fly a dependable and confidence-building choice in tough conditions.
Common Colors Black with silver rib is the classic and most popular combination, but variations in thread, wire, and bead color can be effective depending on water clarity and light conditions.
Recommended sizes: 16-22
Materials
Tying Instructions
- 1.
Start the Thread: Attach the black tying thread just behind the bead, make a few tight wraps, and trim the tag end.
- 2.
Prepare the Wire: Cut 5–6 inches of silver ultra wire and place one end along the shank, starting just behind the bead.
- 3.
Begin the Thread Base: Wrap the thread rearward about one-third of the hook shank, then reverse direction and wrap back toward the bead.
- 4.
Build the Taper: Wrap rearward another one-third of the shank, reverse direction again, and wrap forward toward the bead to create a smooth taper.
- 5.
Wrap to the Bend: Continue wrapping until the thread reaches deep into the bend, then wrap the thread all the way back up to the bead.
- 6.
Flatten the Thread: Spin the bobbin counterclockwise to unwind and flatten the thread for smoother wraps.
- 7.
Smooth the Body: With the thread flattened, wrap rearward again to smooth the body, spinning the bobbin counterclockwise as needed to keep the thread flat.
- 8.
Retwist the Thread: When you reach the bead, spin the bobbin clockwise to retwist the thread back to a round shape.
- 9.
Rib the Fly: Counter-wrap the silver wire forward in evenly spaced open spirals up the shank to the bead.
- 10.
Secure and Break the Wire: Secure the wire with tight thread wraps in front of and behind it, then helicopter the wire to break it off cleanly.