Bodkin / Patterns

Midge Emerger

Midge · Emerger · Stillwater · Trout · Grayling · Intermediate · 1 version

Tyer Recipe

  • Hook Curved emerger/pupa hook (TMC 2487 or similar), 18 (16-22)
  • Thread Black or olive to match the natural 14/0

Materials

  • Body Black/olive material (tying thread, touching turns)
  • Wing Natural dun wing bud (2 CDC feathers, tips one body-length long)
  • Wing flash Pearl flashabou (a few strands Krystal Flash)
  • Thorax To match body (fine dry-fly dubbing)

How to tie it

  1. Start thread just behind the eye and wind back in touching turns, round the bend slightly, then back up the shank. This builds the slim, lightly segmented body.
  2. Stop the thread about one-third of the body length back from the eye, leaving room for the wing and thorax.
  3. Prepare a CDC feather by stripping the fibres from the base of the stem. Hold it in with one turn, keep tension, and draw the feather through until the tips extend about one body-length over the eye; trim the butt.
  4. Tie in a second CDC feather the same way, using the first to gauge the length so both sit level; trim the butt.
  5. Add a few strands of Krystal Flash alongside the CDC so the wing reads as an emerging wing-case and catches light in the film.
  6. Dub a small, tight thorax in front of the wing. This is what props the wing upright rather than letting it lie flat.
  7. Build a small neat head, whip finish, and add a pinpoint of cement.

Tying videos

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