Bodkin / Patterns

CDC Hanging Midge

Midge · Trout · Intermediate · 1 version

Classic Recipe

  • Hook curved emerger/pupa hook (e.g. TMC 2487 or 2488), 18-22
  • Thread Black, olive, or red 8/0 or 10/0

Materials

  • Abdomen Tying thread or fine wire, black/olive/red (1)
  • Rib (optional) Fine silver wire or Krystal Flash (1 strand)
  • Thorax Peacock herl or dark dubbing (1-2 strands)
  • Wing/gills White or dun CDC, tied over the thorax (1 tuft)
  • Head Thread or tiny black bead (1)

How to tie it

  1. Build a slim, smooth abdomen with thread (rib with fine wire or a strand of flash if desired) up to the 70% mark, keeping it thread-thin for the midge pupa silhouette.
  2. Tie in a short white or dun CDC tuft standing up/forward at the 70% mark as the emerging wing and trapped-air gills.
  3. Add one or two turns of peacock herl or a touch of dark dubbing behind the CDC for a thorax bulge.
  4. Post a couple of thread wraps to stand the CDC upright so the fly hangs vertically in the film. Why: the buoyant CDC head keeps the fly suspended nose-up under the surface like a hatching midge.
  5. Whip finish a small head behind the eye.

Tying videos

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