Zebra midge patterns. All these patterns come in sizes 18-22 and various colors.

Zebra midge patterns May 22, 2023 · Discover the art of midge fly fishing and unlock the secrets to catching more fish! Learn about different stages, patterns, tips & tricks, and the right gear to use. Zebra Midge, Cream: This is one of the more popular Midge patterns. Detailed instructions for tying a Zebra Midge Fly. Here I'm going to use a Dai-Riki #125 emerger Jan 30, 2010 · Aaron Jasper of Trout Predator Online shares with us three variations of a Zebra Midge in this short fly tying video. Midge patterns aren’t new to the fly-fishing world and have been around for a long time. The Zebra Midge can be tied in many different colors and sizes. T he zebra midge is probably responsible for more fish caught in my first few years of fly fishing than any other pattern. So, before you dash off on your next fishing expedition, be sure to equip yourself with a few of these ‘killer’ midge patterns. It’s an easy fly to tie, making it perfect for beginners. The slim body with accent rib offers great contrast in the water that fish find irresistible. The zebra midge is a simple pattern using just black thread and silver body wire. Feb 25, 2025 · Sometimes, simple patterns are the best. Traditionally this midge is tied in black and silver, but it can be tied in a variety of colors with contrasting or matching wire ribbing. Midges are extremely prevelant, and an important food source for Trout, making this an essential fly to carry. Mayfly Variant Mercury Blood Midge Mercury Midge Mercury Zebra Midge Midge Adult Midge Larva Midge Pupa Mity-Mite Mosquito larva Muddler Minnow Mylar Jelly Bean Nuclear Egg Nuclear Egg Variation Parachute Adams Dry Fly Parachute Black Gnat Parachute Patriot Partridge & Quill Soft Hackle Patriot Dry Fly Patuxent Special Peacock Bugger Pheasant Feb 18, 2021 · How to tie the Zebra Midge Step-by-Step: detailed tying instructions for a classic midge pattern. #24-18: Red, Black, Purple, Olive Tailwater Tiny The Tailwater Tiny says it all in the name, this pattern is a This is where the Zebra Midge and variations come into play, as they are simple enough to tie very small. Dec 9, 2024 · The Zebra Midge is a great imitation of small midge larvae and pupae, making it a go-to pattern for trout, especially during the colder months or in areas with abundant midge hatches. The tungsten bead gets the fly deep into the strike zone. This fly pattern features a vibrant red body that mimics midge pupae, a primary food source for trout, especially in tailwaters like those in the White River system. To view the names of the patterns just mouse over the picture or Enlarge the picture to see the names. Feb 9, 2021 · The Zebra midge can be tied as big as a 16 but more commonly is created in size 20 and 22. I’m a big fan of fly patterns that I feel could work any day and in about any watershed. The zebra midge is the most popular of the midge flies and probably the fly most of us Mar 30, 2021 · The Zebra Midge fly pattern was first developed by Ted Welling, in the 1990s. Its success can be attributed to several factors, with its holographic or flashy appearance being a significant one. Employ light tippets and dry dropper rigs for effective presentations. With its shiny bead head Red Zebra Midge: This is one of the more popular Midge patterns. This is the reason I’ll always have a zebra midge on hand, especially during the winter months when little other insect activity is occurring. A classic pattern for tailwater Trout. An excellent fly pattern for fishing stillwater, the TH Zebra Midge mimics chironomids, a significant portion of the trout's stillwater diet. Firstly, the color purple has proven to be highly attractive to trout, particularly in clear or slightly stained water conditions. I'm not very good at taking photos of these little flies. A year-round trout nymph for technical waters. The slim profile and subtle flash make it ideal for picky trout in clear water. Its staggering ability to fool trout throughout the world, and the simplicity of the tie is what has made this midge pattern stand the test of time and we don’t see that changing anytime soon. Fish size 18-22 Zebra Midges in red, black, or olive. May 20, 2022 · In the morning (and throughout the day, as well), midge larvae are very effective. In the summer of 2007, Jim Holmes, Mike Howes, John Peterson and I traveled up to eastern Oregon to fish several Jun 4, 2024 · Discover the best midge fly patterns for successful fly fishing. Improve your fly tying skills here. It was originally designed to imitate a chironomid midge larva and quickly gained popularity among fly fishermen for its simplicity and effectiveness. With the addition of a dense beadhead, you can fish A variation of the classic zebra midge, the Marlee Zebra Midge is tied large and sports a prominent buzzer head to imitate the fan-like feeding ap Explore proven midge fly patterns and trico fly patterns tied on quality hooks. How to Fish It: Use a light indicator rig with a small weight to drift the fly naturally. Create a tapered body to about the size of the bead right behind the bead. Sep 7, 2024 · The best midge fly patterns that every angler should have in their fly box whenever fly fishing trout water, anywhere in the world. Likely the most recognized and purchased midge pattern available, the Zebra Midge gets its name from the wire rib it has wrapped around showing segmentation. Zebra midges are tied with only 3 materials. Midges also fish well when there’s nothing else obviously hatching. It is the ultimate in simplicity, being composed of just a few materials. Oct 12, 2011 · The Zebra Midge, invented by Lees Ferry guide Ted Welling, imitates a tiny midge pupa, but you’ll be amazed by how such a tiny fly can attract large fish. Nov 23, 2018 · Sometimes small flies equal big trout. Black is the most common color though. Ray Charles Sowbug Best Season: Fall, winter, and T he Zebra Midge is a staple fly for pretty much any tailwater, and here in Utah you can catch fish on them any time of year. This Midge is so simple, but still very effective. Purple tinsel as a fly pattern for fishing, particularly for the Norfork River, is renowned among anglers for its effectiveness. Fishing small midge larvae patterns and emergers can be the ticket when other bugs are not active. The Zebra Midge is arguably the most popular midge pattern around. Mercury Midge Black Crystal Midge Zebra Midge Black Br Nov 11, 2024 · Discover top midge fly patterns like Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat, and Juju Bee Midge to boost your success fly fishing midges and targeting trout effectively! Feb 22, 2017 · Simple but yet effective, the Zebra Midge is the one larva pattern an angler should never be without. It's simple, effective and works over a range of fishing situations. A simple yet highly effective fly pattern that imitates small aquatic insects, particularly midge pupae. Although easy to tie, there are some tricks that really help to produce a smooth tapered body which results in a better looking fly. Personally, I find that trout prefer copper and nickel over gold, but black nickel is also my favorite bead when tying Rusty or Olive Dun midges. And we’re here to help you with nine essential options. Super simple yet highly effective patterns that will help make your winter fly fishing more productive. Zebra Midge in Black with Tungsten Bead is a midge pattern quickly coming into its own among Midge fishermen. Oct 11, 2024 · Midges are some of the most common insects found in waterways all around the world. Red Zebra Midge : A Timeless and Tactical Pattern The Red Zebra Midge is one of the most versatile and effective patterns in trout fishing, especially in tailwaters like those found in the Ozarks. Simple and Effective. Top Midge Patterns & Midge Flies In order to tie the top midge patterns, you need to focus on a few key attributes. Dec 20, 2023 · Popular midge patterns used to mimic larvae include the root beer midge, blood midges, and the zebra midge. The Zebra Midge is a simple yet effective pattern consisting of thread, wire, and a tungsten bead. The Killer Caddis Glass Bead represents an air bubble. Parachute zebra midge pattern Hook: Mustad C49S # 12-16 Bead: Pearlescent plastic… The zebra midge is one of those patterns that really doesn't need an introduction. The great things about a zebra midge are that it is among the easiest flies to tie, and it can easil Midge patterns form an essential part of any fly box throughout the fishing year. It also helps the fly sink quickly making it an excellent choice for a dropper pattern. Although small in size, the chironomid larva which the Zebra Midge imitates, play The Zebra Midge pattern is acclaimed to have orginated in 1996 by Ted Welling, a guide with Lees Ferry Anglers, in Northern Arizona along the Colorado River. However, incorporating a copper tungsten bead and copper wire Shop the best fly tying materials, hooks, vises and tools. While the original pattern performs extremely well, a flashback variation is a must-have. This is one of the most widely used patterns on tailwaters, considering that midges are present 12 months out of the year. This is definitely a good fly for beginners to start learning. The Zebra Midge, Disco Midge, and their many cousins are little more than a bit of something shiny wrapped up the shank of a hook with a patch of ostrich herl or a bead to represent the gills. A great pattern to fish deep through large runs and pools but also can be effective in riffles and fast pockets. Midge Fly Patterns FFNC Fly Patterns Midge Fly Patterns This page will help you learn to identify the different Midge Fly patterns you will encounter when you are fly fishing. In this fly tying tutorial, Cheech ties the Zebra Midge. How to Tie a Zebra Midge Fly Pattern Its mid winter here in Idaho, so what better way to spend the time than tying the Zebra midge fly. Thats why we have a color variation in BLUE . Rib: Silver Ultra Dec 9, 2024 · The Zika midge pattern is essentially a zebra midge tied on a jig hook with a heavy tungsten bead head. Get ready to tie one of the all-time trout favorites: the Bead Head Zebra Midge! This simple yet deadly pattern mimics those tiny midges that fish just can't resist. Oct 24, 2018 · A Zebra Midge has become a standard midge pattern in my fly box because it’s simple to tie and very effective. The Tungsten bead on this fly will sink the fly quickly, where big trout prefer to feed, and the jig hook will help to prevent hooking the bottom of the river. A few variations are shown with tying directions. It's one of our top selling midges in the shop, so we decided to One of the many variations of the ever popular zebra Midge. Feb 2, 2018 · Any of these signs signal that trout are actively feeding and you should target them using a midge pattern. Head: Tungsten 3/32 for 14, 5/64 for 16 Tying Instructions: Step 1. This fly can be fished in every body of water that trout reside in and is highly effective in imitating the larval stage of the midge life cycle. Select fly patterns like Zebra Midge or Griffiths Gnat, using small hooks (size 18-32) to match hatch colors. Here's the video The zebra midge pattern is easy to tie, takes only 4 materials, and is super effective at putting fish in the net. Shop from hundreds of unique and classic patterns for all your fly fishing needs and save with our discount fly prices. The Zebra Midge features a tapered body, ribbed abdomen, and a beadhead, making it a versatile and effective fly pattern for all sizes and species of trout. A simple fly to tie. Depending on the hook size will determine the This Copper Zebra Midge video includes detailed fly-tying instructions. I think black is the most common color but I fish a lot of brown, olive, and red too. The zebra midge is a fly that needs little introduction, and can be found at just about any fly shop in the country. Jan 4, 2024 · In this complete step-by-step fly tying guide, I’ll teach you how to tie the Zebra Midge. A Black Zebra Midge dropped short (4″-10″) behind a Parachute Adams or Trico Spinner, is also a good Trico pattern (whether the fish think it’s a trico nymph or drowned spinner, I don’t care, cause they eat it!) These our our four most popular colors with Black being the king. The Fly Fishing Place Bead Head Rainbow Warrior and Zebra Midge Assortment - 1 Dozen - 3 Each of 4 Patterns Sizes 14, 16, 18 - Tailwater Fly Fishing Flies Collection 8 $2495 ($2. MATERIAL & TOOL LIST BELOW!The Zebra Midge, invented by Lees Ferry guide Ted Welling is an effective trout fishing pattern, year round, in almost any water t Jan 7, 2025 · The jig zika midge pattern is essentially a zebra midge tied on a jig hook with a heavy tungsten bead. The Beadhead Zebra Midge An exceptionally simple yet deadly little Chironomid imitation that, despite its diminutively small size, has proven extraordinarilly effective on BIG trout indeed, the Beadhead Zebra Midge is both incredibly easy to tie, and can be easily adapted at the vice to almost any color combination necessary to match your May 3, 2023 · Top 11 Midge Patterns Zebra Midge The Zebra Midge is a simple but classic fly to include in your arsenal of trout-catching patterns. There is a Hatch Chart for North Carolina. But don’t let that fool you; the Zebra Midge is a very useful midge pattern and should be given a permanent spot in both your river and lake box. Mar 15, 2019 · Upon first glance, especially to a new fly angler or tyer the Zebra Midge may appear to be an insignificant fly. With the bead head, it can be drifted in the deeper runs, or hung off a dropper just under the surface to those suspended feeding fish. Black thread Silver wire Clear bead One strand of holographic green flashabou tied over the back under the wire rib. This can be tied with or without a bead if you like and in sizes 16 and up. When presented deep and just a little faster than the current, it’s difficult for trout to resist. Tie it with white thread and a black or gray dubbed or marker colored head and you’ve got a Miracle Nymph, add a silver bead, substitute silver wire for the rib and you have a Zebra Midge, red thread and no head makes a Blood Midge. Here is the fly pattern sheet for the Zebra Midge. The Zebra Midge is my go-to midge pattern. Jun 19, 2010 · Here is one that has produced very well for me. Despite its lack of pomp and frill, it catches fish 365 days a year. Anytime of year the pheasant tail works and winter is not any different. Feb 28, 2008 · Zebra Midge Recipe: Hook: 2457 TMC, 2499sp TMC, 2488H TMC Thread: UTC 70 color to match body. Since 2015, The Fly Crate has taught 1000's of anglers world class fly fishing techniques and provided customers with the best fly fishing flies, tackle, and gear. Zebra Midge - Blue Holographic BH × 3 The Zebra Midge is one of the most effective midge patterns out there . Wadeoutthere. 08/count) FREE delivery Jul 7 - 15 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon. The Flashback Zebra Midge. Zebra Midge, Black: This is one of the more popular Midge patterns. Zebra Midge: if I had to pick just one nymph to fish with for the rest of my life, it’d be the zebra midge. Disco Midge For me, Disco Midge is a go-to when the fishing gets tough. From giant steelhead to freshly hatched brook trout, this fly never seems to fall out of favor with big and small fish alike. The Zebra Midge can be useful anywhere but is a must if you fish southern tailwaters. Body: Thread Rib: UTC Wire (copper, silver, gold) in the brassie size. The great things about a zebra midge are that it is among the easiest flies to tie, and it can easily be modified to be tied in a wide range or colors and variations. Thread, bead, and wire. With nearly 17,000 species of midges crowding our North American waters, the Beadhead Zebra Midge is an amazing generalist pattern that - when fished in several sizes and colors - can be used to effectively match the larva life cycle of almost every midge in we have. If you want a go-to midge pattern, look no Jan 3, 2024 · Don't fly fish with midge patterns before reading this guide. This version comes equipped with a tungsten bead to increase sink rate. I like to start by Mar 18, 2025 · The Zebra Midge is an effective subsurface pattern that imitates midge larvae and works exceptionally well in deep pools and slow-moving currents. The pattern is known for its simple design, yet it is incredibly effective at catching trout. This one is also tied on size 20 hook. Tungsten Zebra Midge – Red & Nickel: A Standout Midge for Tailwaters The Tungsten Zebra Midge in Red & Nickel is a standout choice for anglers looking to target trout in clear, cold tailwaters. Select materials, prepare the thread, wrap the body, add ribbing, and finish. CATCH has more hot and custom midge patterns specifically designed for tailwaters you fish than on than anyone else in the fly fishing market. The metal beadhead adds weight. About the Zebra Midge The small Zebra midge is a fantastic, very popular pattern for trout. The Zebra Midge is constructed of a tapered thread body with wraps of thin wire over top for ribbing. It's a detailed description that will set you up for success. It stands out well The Zebra Midge is a simple pattern that has proven itself to be wildly productive anywhere there is midge activity. 2. From the versatile Mercury Black Midge to the effective Zebra Midge, enhance your techniques and catch more trout. Nymphs and midges are very abundant in all tailwaters and become a pattern that is often used for success. Bead: Silver, 1/16”. This fly pictured was tied on a Tiemco TMC2499BL-SP size 18. In many cases, midge activity may be the only insect activity trout see during the cold seasons, so always plan to have a few zebra midges on hand. Aug 9, 2019 · Fly fishing article about why the Zebra Midge is an excellent first fly to tye as a begginer fly tyer. As a part of the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate programs, Into Fly Fishing® may The zebra midge is one of those patterns that really doesn't need an introduction. Midges as a family are small in stature, and With nearly 17,000 species of midges crowding our North American waters, the Zebra Midge Pupa is an amazing generalist pattern that - when fished in several sizes and colors - can be effectively used to match pupa or emerger life stage of almost each one of our midge species. The zebra midge is one of those patterns that really doesn't need an introduction. This fly provides the perfect outline of a Midge larva. If you have fished with the zebra midge you'll know just how effective it is, so give this a go , you'll be surprised. Fly Fishing Rods, Reels, Waders, Accessories and Flies Tied by Charlie Craven. Odd are if you looked through a guides box out west you would find these in multiple sizes. All these patterns come in sizes 18-22 and various colors. Mar 14, 2025 · In short, a Zebra Midge is a fly pattern used to imitate both the pupal and nymphal stages of a wide variety of aquatic-born insects. The zebra midge is a great pattern for beginning fly tiers. Key zebra midge patterns include red and nickel, as well as copper beads, and the black zebra midge with copper beads. Hopefully, you'll get the idea. Recipe: Hook: 2X-short emerger hook (here a Dai-Riki 125), sizes 16-22. Don’t let the simplicity of this pattern fool you—it has consistently fooled selective trout all over the United States. The red thread body is paired with Overview A staple in any tailwater box, the Zebra Midge is a simple yet deadly pattern that mimics midge larvae or pupae. Jan 29, 2015 · The Zebra Midge Fly Tying Video is an easy to tie and deadly fly pattern. Nov 23, 2020 · Midges are one of the largest food sources of trout, learn how to effectively fly fishing with midges with this helpful blog. Jan 9, 2024 · Most midge patterns are very basic. Slide the bead on. The Nickel Bead Zebra Midge - Black is a proven midge imitation with a sleek body and subtle flash. The Zebra Midge has a tungsten bead with a quick sink rate and excels in dry and dropper applications. This fly is one that we learned from the Fulling Mill catalog, and it seems like such a simple addition to a zebra midge, but I have to admit that I wouldn't have thought to tie in the flash how they did. The red variation of this fishing fly is great for technical tailwaters where the midges take on a reddish color. Aug 22, 2017 · In the video above, Tim Flagler ties a very durable iteration of the Zebra Midge, “perdigon style,” using Coq de Leon fibers for a longer tail that might give the fly a bit of a swimming motion to it and attract finicky fish that are holding and waiting for small bites of protein to drift by. Sep 21, 2020 · Learn how to tie the Zebra Midge pattern including step-by-step instructions, a video tutorial, pictures, and much more. Dec 3, 2022 · Zebra Midge Fly Pattern Info Zebra midge Fairly Simple but Good Looking Midge Pattern. Learn to tie many great flies in the Orvis fly-tying video library Mar 5, 2025 · The Zebra Midge may be small, but its simple, effective design makes it a go-to pattern for trout year-round—perfect for fooling picky fish in any water condition. Apr 5, 2021 · Although there are a few subtle differences between the patterns, both utilize small, scud or curved-shank hooks, and are meant to imitate midge pupa. Perfect for tailwaters, summer hatches, and year-round trout success. You can fish this fly in a similar manner to the perdigon, as described above, but I prefer to use it as a tag fly in a Euro nymph rig. Pheasant Tail The pheasant tail is always a good option for fishing sub surface. Dec 16, 2024 · Learn the basics of tying essential midge fly patterns for beginners and unlock the secrets to successful fly fishing with these expert tips. Its slender, segmented body and bead head are key to its success. They are in a class of their own and can be fished in still and moving water scenarios with great success. It represents a midge larva and midges are very common on trout streams. In fact, that midge was the fly that helped one of my clients – a nine-year-old girl – land her first fish. This thing just flat-out catches fish all the time, in any water condition, and for virtually any trout. Indeed, its simplistic appearance can be quite deceiving, until you consider the role chironomidae play in every habitable freshwater environment world-wide. Tied on a curved hook with a thread body (usually black, red, or olive), fine wire ribbing, and a small tungsten bead, it's fast to tie and highly effective. Many anglers fish variations of the original pattern, but the general pattern still stays true to its origin. Olive and purple can be productive too. Dec 20, 2018 · A Zebra midge variant that is an unusual parachute pattern, as it has a plastic glass bubble bead head. With a bit of practice, it’s a 5-minute fly. For the purpose of this article, I’ll stay with identifying ways to present zebra midges, although there are other types of midge patterns such as thread midges, soft hackles, emergers, brassies and many others. Favorite Trout Nymphs- Zebra Midge, Hare’s Ear, Frenchie, Prince Nymph 1. It is typically tied in black, but variations can include red, silver, white, burnt orange and other colors and hues. The Beadhead Zebra Nymph, also known as the Zebra Midge Fly, is a popular pattern used by fly fishers around the world. The Mercury Zebra Midge is another you should have in your fly box. All of our zebra midges are tied with a tungsten bead with the exception of the The fish weren’t moving for much at all, but a size 16 black zebra midge put enough trout in the net to make my clients happy. The zebra midge; whether it be black, red, or green can be considered one of the most important flies any angler can carry in their arsenal. Zebra midges are most commonly tied on hooks size 16 and smaller. If you tie your own flies and notice the midges in your area aren’t pitch black, you can tie a zebra midge in whatever color you The whole series of Beadhead Zebra Midge flies represent this stage very well. Materials Hook: Tiemco TMC2499BL-SP or TMC2487 or TMC2488 Hook Size: 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 Ribbing: X-small or fine copper wire Body: UNI-Thread Oct 22, 2024 · Learn how to tie the popular Zebra Midge fly with this step-by-step guide. In his book Tying and Fishing Tailwater Flies, Pat Dorsey describes how he uses the Zebra Midge when he needs a midge-pupa pattern that sinks quickly. Zebra Midges in black-and-silver or gold-and-tan with a tungsten bead head are especially effective for fishing deep. With a little practice, you’ll find tying midge flies is one of the easiest types of flies to imitate and require very little materials making it both affordable to tie them and easy to tie a ton of variations. I like this pattern because of the UV coating and the additional epoxy coat that makes it truly Feb 8, 2022 · The Black Beauty is the basis for a number of other patterns with just slight differences. Feb 1, 2016 · Having covered the characteristics that define each stage of the midge life cycle in last month's article The Midge Master: Part 1 it's time to take that knowledge into your fly box! With almost 17,000 species of midge populating North America's waters, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of fly patterns sold by your local fly shop. Nov 22, 2021 · What Is A Zebra Midge? In short, a Zebra Midge is a fly pattern used to imitate both the pupal and nymphal stages of a wide variety of aquatic-born insects. Common colors for Zebra Midge patterns are black, red, and brown. These are often some of the most productive fly patterns to use during the winter and they are also very simple. Thread: Black, 70 denier or 8/0. Riding hook point up, this pattern is deal for a dry dropper rig when fishing pocket water or faster moving currents. Mar 27, 2014 · Zebra Midge This classic midge pattern incorporates something important that many others do not. One of the most popular general midge patterns is the zebra midge. Dec 18, 2024 · For ideal success, adapt strategies to seasonal patterns; spring and fall favor warm daytime fishing, while winter peaks at midday. Traditionally tied with nickel or gold beads, this midge imitates midge pupae, a staple food source for trout in clear, cold waters. In small sizes, this fly can be deadly in nearly any trout water. This article discusses tactics for catching more fish with midges, favorite patterns, and when to use them. Shop the best brands from The Zebra Midge is arguably one of the best natural subsurface midge imitations. May 8, 2019 · In this How- to video, Tim Flagler from Tighlines Productions will show you a smart and easy way to tie the Zebra Midge. qmsiu pniaiuy tpn fmy iife rbqizf wcqa wfun maffd isx ogkxes evkt akola xdu hbsv