Bodkin / Patterns

Manhattan Midge

Midge · Trout · Intermediate · 1 version

Note: This recipe has not been verified against a documented source, or disagrees with one. Treat the materials and steps as unconfirmed.

Classic Recipe

  • Hook Standard midge, 20-24
  • Thread Black 8/0

Materials

  • Body Black thread (tapered)
  • Rib Fine silver wire (2 inches)
  • Wing White poly or CDC (tiny puff)
  • Thorax Black dubbing (small)

How to tie it

  1. Mount hook, start thread at the bend.
  2. Build a smooth, tapered body with thread wraps alone. Thin at the tail, slightly wider toward the thorax. The taper should be gradual; take your time and avoid lumps.
  3. Tie in 2 inches of fine silver wire at the bend and counter-wrap forward in 5-6 evenly spaced turns. The silver rib over the black body creates the segmentation trout look for.
  4. Dub a tiny thorax. Just 2-3 wraps of black dubbing, slightly wider than the thread body.
  5. Tie in a tiny white wing puff at the head, 3-4 fibers of poly or CDC. This represents the emerging wings.
  6. Whip finish with the smallest head you can manage.

Tying videos

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