How-to-steps ( Zebra Midge )

[Jeremy Hunt]

Zebra Midge

Recipe:

Hook: 2457 TMC, 2499sp TMC, 2488H TMC

Thread: UTC 70 color to match body.

Body: Thread

Rib: UTC Wire (copper, silver, gold) in the brassie size.

Head: Tungsten 3/32 for 14, 5/64 for 16

Tying Instructions:

Step 1.

Slide the bead on. Depending on the hook size will determine the size bead you will use. The two sizes I tie on more than any other sizes is 14 and 16 with 5/64 and 3/32 beads. So I really don’t waste my time with size 14 unless I am fishing high water.

Step 2.

Start the thread just behind the bead and do enough turns just to lock the thread into place. Cut your tag end off. Try to build a cone shape behind the bead with thread wraps.

Step 3.

Cut a piece of wire and tie it in behind the bead. I like to push it up in the bead. Advance your thread back to the bend. Make sure your wraps are even and you have a nice smooth thread body when you wind to the bend.

Step 4.

Once you get to the bend you are ready to advance the thread back up just behind the bead.

Step 5.

Wrap the wire forward making segmentations as you wind the wire up. Try to make the spaces the same. The main key to this fly is make sure the fish can see these segmentations.

Step 6.

Tie down the wire and move it real fast back and forth. It will break from it getting hot. If you cut it with scissors more than likely you will have a little tag showing. By doing it this way you want. And you will never mess your scissors up from cutting wire.

Step 7.

Glue your thread wraps behind the bead and you got yourself a zebra midge.

Keynotes:

You will see that this pattern calls for UTC 70. This is a newer thread that Wapsi came out with. This is more of a floss thread that will lay flatter on the shank. This will make a smoother base for any pattern that calls for a thread body fly. Also you can tie in dubbing or some sort of peacock herl for the collar of the fly.

If you are tying this fly with black thread try using a nickel bead with silver wire. It is one of the best midges for our rivers around here. Good luck!

[Thom]

Jeremy:

I recently purchased some thread and was looking for a pumpkin orange or burnt orange. The closest I could match in color was danvilles brand. When I started to tie it on the hook I found that it was four strands on the spool. Each was 300 denier. I just used one strand for making some midges. Why the four strands and what is that used for. I problally will just wind it off onto a single spool since one strand worked fine and I really like the color of orange that it was.

[Jeremy Hunt]

I'm curious to see it. Can you post a pic?

[Thom]

This is the thread and a zmidge made from it.

Danville 4 strand 330 denier / strand. Sorry about the poor pics.

[Thom]

Jeremy:

I redone the pics.

[mAngler]

Jeremy:

I redone the pics.

Thom,

What you have there is 4 strand rayon floss, not thread. Floss is typically what you use on humpies, royal wulffs, soft hackles, and wet flies. If you're tying Jeremy's rusty midge, you probably want to get Uni-thread 8/0 in 'Rust Brown' - I think that's what he uses. I use Wapsi UTC 70 in 'Burnt Orange', which I think is a good substitute. I personally like the Wapsi UTC 70 thread better than the UNI 8/0, but that's just a personal preference.

mAngler

[Thom]

Thom,

What you have there is 4 strand rayon floss, not thread. Floss is typically what you use on humpies, royal wulffs, soft hackles, and wet flies. If you're tying Jeremy's rusty midge, you probably want to get Uni-thread 8/0 in 'Rust Brown' - I think that's what he uses. I use Wapsi UTC 70 in 'Burnt Orange', which I think is a good substitute. I personally like the Wapsi UTC 70 thread better than the UNI 8/0, but that's just a personal preference.

mAngler

Thanks m angler

That is what I thought it might be. Purchased in bass pro in St. charles. They do not have any selection of thread or hooks in stock most of the time. I guess I will have to order or go into st. louis to feather craft.