Entomology Question

[Firefish]

This summer below the BSD and Norfork Dam I noticed trout that appeared to be midging. But on closer inspection of the water, I found thousands of tiny white flies drifting by on the surface. They were way too small to be a trico, and didn't look like any midge picture that I can find on the net. They had 4 wings that were almost perfectly round and lay flat on the water. These things were tiny, like a size 30 if such a size even exists, but the fish were gobling them up. On both occasions, I put on a size 24 cream dry, which was way bigger than the naturals, and did pretty well. Anyone have any idea what they are? I'm kinda new to this, but they sure didn't look like a midge to me.

[Crippled Caddis]

I think you're right. Midges are Diptera which basically sez 'two wings'. But just what you were seeing I haven't a clue. Try posing the question on John Wilsons' Flyfishing Ark & Mo board which many of the Norfork/White guides haunt to see if you can get a definitive answer.

[Gavin]

Caenis mayflies maybe? Hard to guess w/o a picture.

[Crippled Caddis]

Gavin wrote:

<Caenis mayflies maybe? Hard to guess w/o a picture.>

Maybe! No pics---no clue! And I haven't been able to find my 'bug books' since moving to N. AR 17 years ago.

Had he not specified 4 wings I would have jumped on midges since the white ones were popping like popcorn on the Spring River yesterday along with a credible number of #22 BWOs and one huge 'bug' I couldn't catch up with to identify.

The area that the white midges were popping was where I've kick-seined incredible numbers of 'bloodworms'. Anyone know for sure if they are the progenitors of the white midges?????? CC

[Firefish]

I think I will try asking on John Wilson's board. If I see them again, I'll collect a few and attempt to get a decent picture. Thanks for the input.

[John Berry]

Size thirty and four wings. This one has me stumped.

[The Caddis]

Can you tie a fly with 4 wings on a size 30 hook?

[Firefish]

I'm starting to think maybe I'm nuts. Obviously I'm going to have to make a trip to the white sooner than I expected to try and track down this mythical size 30 fly. What a high price to pay for scientific discovery. Now if I can just convince my wife.

[Danoinark]

Can you tie a fly with 4 wings on a size 30 hook?

I can't SEE a sz 30 4 winged bug!!!

Dano

[Crippled Caddis]

<I'm starting to think maybe I'm nuts. Obviously I'm going to have to make a trip to the white sooner than I expected to try and track down this mythical size 30 fly. What a high price to pay for scientific discovery. Now if I can just convince my wife.>

Surely such a selfless act in aid of your fellow man would be promptly and ungrudgingly issued a kitchen pass of unlimited duration.;o) CC