How-to-steps (rusty Midge)

[Jeremy Hunt]

Rusty Midge

Recipe

Hook: Tiemco 2499SPBL size 18-12

Thread: Uni-thread (burnt orange)

Body: Thread

Rib: Black wire (BR)

Bead Head: Tungsten 3/32 for 14, 5/64 for 16 (black)

I have an article just for this fly and why it's important to look at midge fishing in a whole new way. Scroll down on my tips page until you see the topic "anyone who fishes midge patterns... this is for you".

Tying Instructions:

I really promote not tying thread bodies with waxed thread, but I had to make an exception because they don’t make this same color thread in any other brand. And this is a pattern that takes NO substitution or it will cost you fish I guarantee it.

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. Start the thread right behind the bead and cut the tag off.

Step 2.

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 and make sure your wraps are even and you have a nice smooth thread body when you wind to the bend.

Step 3.

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

Step 4.

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 to make sure the fish can see the segmentations.

Step 5.

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 won't. And you will never mess your scissors up from cutting wire.

Note: Make sure you build up a cone shape behind the bead before tying it off.

Step 6.

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

[Thom]

Jeremy:

I usually buy the 2487 scud hooks. They seem to work great for me. Why the 2499. It looks like a heavier wire and barbless. Is it just a brand thing?

Thanks for taking the time sharing the patterns. The forum is much more interesting reading about fishing stuff.

[Jeremy Hunt]

Thom,

This hook is the best thing since sliced bread. I tie all my midges on it if I’m tying small ones. I have a theory about it. Click here to read more about it and it should explain everything. Scroll down and look for the topic that says "anyone who fishes midges, this is for you".

I plan on doing a lot more on this forum. I’ve been gone awhile because I’ve been trying to get my website full of content and know I feel like I can slow down a little bit and contribute more to the other forums. I enjoy this forum a lot and miss some of my old contacts. So be watching for more patterns to come. I still have about 60 how to steps to upload.

[Thom]

Interesting article.

I started tieing what I call size 18 body on a size 16 hook a couple of years ago. It doesn't seem to be quite an issue on larger scud hooks. The medhodt did what you describe in the article as more for hook ups and also made it easier for my age worn eyes to tie. I saw little difference from the smaller hooks since I bleieve the fish see mostly the profile and view the untied part of the hook as just part of the midge shuck or wasted larvae.

I definately will try the 2499 in my next round of vise time.

I just got the cabella's super spring catalog and will check to see if I can bulk order some.

I am happy to see you back posting.

[Danoinark]

Jeremy

I have for along time tried to find that proper burnt orange Uni Thread. I just don't see it listed on any of the sites. Any ideas, I don't think Uni is listed in a stock number just by color in its 8/0 and 6/0...

Dano

[Jeremy Hunt]

Dano, are you wanting know the exact color of the thread? I'm not sure what you're asking.

[Danoinark]

Dano, are you wanting know the exact color of the thread? I'm not sure what you're asking.

Correct Jeremy. I can't find any listing for burnt orange in the Uni thread. I have orange and I have Rusty brown. Can't seem to locate the one you are talking about.

What does your say on the label?

Thanks

Dano

[Jeremy Hunt]

It's called Rst. Brown on the spool and it is by Uni-thread.

[Danoinark]

Ok, thanks. I have that color.

Dano