Midge Patterns

[Jeremy Hunt]

So I have a quick question. Besides the Primrose and Pearl (P&P), what other midge patterns are go-to patterns tied with copper beads. This is something that has bothered me for quite some time. Out of all the other midge patterns I throw I just don’t have the same luck with copper beads. Any thoughts would be helpful. I’m sure there a few of us that would probably agree on this theory, but would really like to know.

[Hopper]

Jeremy,

I tie a rusty midge with a copper bead, and one with brown midge tube both size 18 and have good luck with both.

Gregg

(wood strip canoe)

[Jeremy Hunt]

I've tried the rusty midge with the copper, but the black does way better. Where do you fish it and what time of year does it work the best, or is there a time that it works better than others. So the other one you tie is a brown v-rib midge? What's the underbody, as far as the thread goes?

Any other comments would be greatly appreciated.

[Gavin]

A skinny little Pheasant Tail on a scud hook with a copper bead is a killer at times...Works everywhere I've tried it, but its particularly good before a sulphur hatch in size 16. Cheers.

[Jeremy Hunt]

That's funny you say that. Again, another pattern that works well with a tungsten black bead. I guess copper will work with just about anything, but out of the four colors it is the least effective. I used to test every bead with the same pattern and compared the strikes and copper was always the least productive.

I just wonder is there another “hot” pattern that people really have a TON of confidence in like the Primrose and Pearl. That pattern, I wouldn’t tie it with any other color bead besides copper.

This could turn out to be a great topic related to midges.

Lets hear some other thoughts.......

[Buzz]

I've been experimenting with a couple of midge patterns that I've always tied with gold beads and have actually seen an increase in bites and catches. One being the obvious zebra midge with either a copper rib or a gold rib, no difference in bites that I've noticed between the color of ribbing. The other is a variation/combination between a zebra midge and a scud, without the scud back, if you know what I'm talking about. I call it a wooly midge. I usually tie more earth tone colors, tan,brown,black,olive,and grey. So far the only color that I have yet to catch a fish on is the grey.

I haven't had the opportunity to try these on wild trout or Taney yet, but they are killers at Roaring River and my local White Ribbon streams.

BTW, I am in no way a great fly tier yet. LOL

[DaddyO]

I tie a black zebra midge with copper bead and copper wire and have had a lot of success with it. However this little fly that I call a Hair and Copper in size 14, for me, is always tied with a copper bead and copper wire with brown dubbing. It is one of my goto flies. It is really productive on the Lower Illinois and I have caught fish on it at Taney, Roaring River and the Norfork. It works well around structure and in cloudy water. Here is a picture.

[mike h]

Hey jeremy how is the new baby and wife? You know how I like to midge fish, my favorite pattern that i call ole faithfull is a black zebra midge with copper wire and bead. I know other regular taney fishermen that this is the ONLY midge they tie for taney. I also tie a varation of the p&p useing different flashabou.

mike h

[Gavin]

So whats your best color Jeremy...chrome, gold, or black beads?...Chrome is my top pick for some reason....probably because most use gold.

[Jeremy Hunt]

I tie a black zebra midge with copper bead and copper wire and have had a lot of success with it. However this little fly that I call a Hair and Copper in size 14, for me, is always tied with a copper bead and copper wire with brown dubbing. It is one of my goto flies. It is really productive on the Lower Illinois and I have caught fish on it at Taney, Roaring River and the Norfork. It works well around structure and in cloudy water. Here is a picture.

Great example and exactly what I'm talking about. thanks for sharing. I'll give it a try.