MIDGES

These flies are a very important part of a trout's diet, but they are quite small and therefore require small hooks; from size 16 to 24. When trout are feeding on midges they will often ignore all else, even the larger flies that may be present.

Midges fly over the surface of the water in an appearance that, to some, resemble snowflakes, and for this reason, have been termed by many as snowflies. In this adult stage they are not very accessible to trout, but sometimes a wisp of hackle (white, gray, or blue dun) tied on an 18-22 hook and fished dry will work wonders. The best stage to imitate is the larvae stage. Midge nymphs made from fur spun on small hooks, brownish stripped peacock quill with brown hackle, and flies made with copper wire all imitate midges enough to have some excellent fishing.

Fish midge hatches with the dead drift method, but twitching the fly a little may also bring good results.

Midges are present throughout the year, but the winter, spring, and the early summer are the most common times when midge hatches will be present on almost all waters.