Zebra midge

By Ted Welling, submitted by Ham.

Description

The zebra midge is an exceptionally effective, easy-to-tie midge pupa imitation, best in sizes 16–22 with black, red, or olive bodies, a silver/gold bead, and wire ribbing. It is fished year-round, especially in winter, deep on a double-nymph rig. The slim, weighted pattern imitates small midge larvae.

Tying Process

Hook size 16–22. Start by sliding the bead onto the hook. Start your thread behind the bead and tie in UTC small wire in the color of your choice. Secure the wire down the hook shank to the middle of the hook bend. Start tapering the body—I do multiple layers on the hook shank. Start from the bead, wrap down, then back up. Repeat this process two more times, doing a little less each time. Then spiral the wire up the hook shank with five even wraps, secure it, and whip finish. I also add head cement.

Materials

• Bead: 5/64 silver bead
• Ribbing: UTC small silver wire
• Thread: Utc 70 black

Hooks

• Tiemco TMC 2457

Target species: Bluegill, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout

Fly types: Chironomid, Jig, Nymph