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Fishing midges can be tricky business, especially in winter. While the fish can be finicky and the fishing can be technical, the flies are typically the opposite. Most midges are simple and quick to tie, even if they are small. We fished this pattern growing up and we originally saw it in Roger Hill’s book, Fly Fishing the South Platte...a classic with timeless insights for any angler looking to fish tailwaters.

Two things have changed since we first tied this fly: (1) you can buy pre-stripped quills rather than using a pencil eraser to strip each quill, and (2) a coat of UV resin greatly improves the durability of this fly. What hasn’t changed is this pattern’s productivity...fish still love it.

• Hook: Firehole Sticks 419, sizes 18-22. https://www.discountflies.com/...
• Thread: SemperFli Nano Silk 18/0, dark. https://www.discountflies.com/product/M-SNS18.html
• Tail: optional. If imitating a small mayfly, consider two split micro fibers. https://www.discountflies.com/...
• Body: Polish Quills Stripped Quills, Natural. https://www.discountflies.com/product/M-PQSPQ.html
• Hackle: Grizzly. Trim flush underneath.