Bodkin / Patterns

Black Beauty Midge

Midge · Trout · Beginner · 1 version

Classic Recipe

• Hook Standard midge, 18-24
• Thread Black 8/0

Materials

• Body Black thread (thin, segmented)
• Rib Fine silver wire (3 inches)
• Wing White CDC or poly (tiny puff)
• Bead Silver bead (1 small)

How to tie it

1. Slide a small silver bead on. Build a smooth, gently tapered black thread body from the bend to the bead.
2. Counter-wrap fine silver wire in 4-5 evenly spaced turns.
3. Tie in the tiniest white CDC or poly puff behind the bead, 3-4 fibers, no more.
4. Whip finish. The whole fly is thread, wire, and a wisp of white.

Substitutions

• Body instead of Black thread: Dark olive thread — Olive midge variant; Brown thread — Brown midge variant
• Wing instead of White CDC or poly: White poly yarn (tiny puff) — More visible, easier to tie; White Aero Dry Wing — Bright white wing bud
• Rib instead of Fine silver wire: Fine copper wire — Warmer tone; Fine gold wire — Different flash color

Tying videos

• Black Beauty Midge — Tim Flagler (Orvis)
• Black Beauty Midge — Charlie Craven (Charlie's Fly Box)

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