Bodkin / Patterns

Crystal Midge

Midge · Trout · Intermediate · 1 version

Reference Recipe

  • Hook Curved scud/midge hook, 18-24
  • Thread Black 10/0-12/0

Materials

  • Bead Silver or black bead (1, 5/64 in (optional))
  • Body Black thread with pearl (thread underbody + fine flash rib)
  • Rib Pearl Krystal Flash or Mylar (1 strand)
  • Thorax/collar Peacock or black herl (1 turn dubbing or ice dub)

How to tie it

  1. Mount the hook, add a small silver bead if using, and start thread behind it.
  2. Tie in a single strand of pearl flash at the bend, leaving it long.
  3. Build a slim tapered thread abdomen forward to the 70% mark, keeping it slender. A midge larva is barely thicker than the thread.
  4. Rib the flash forward in 5-6 evenly spaced open turns to segment the body and tie off, letting the pearl glint through the dark thread.
  5. Dub a tiny peacock or black collar at the front for the wing buds and thorax.
  6. Whip finish a neat small head and add a pinhead of UV resin or cement over the body for durability and shine.

Tying videos

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