Rib: UTC Ultra Wire, Sized to chart Color Variations Fly ColorĮven big trout like this one which was plucked from the Guadalupe River in Texas eat Zebra Midges. These colors, Rusty Brown, Dark Brown, Blue Dun, Red, Purple and Black are just a few of the colors Zebra Midges can be tied in to catch trout across North America. I also find the colors to be quite vibrant making the finished fly more colorful once the finish coat has been applied. Individual thread filaments are extremely fineĬombined, these properties make it easy to create the desired smooth, tapered body.The three properties that make it preferred are: Of the five thread brands I regularly use for varying applications UTC is my preferred thread for tying midges. Always place the bead on the hook by running the hook point through the small hole in the bead. These three pairs of beads show the larger hole (left) drilled into the backside of the beads during the manufacturing process. Because chironomid larvae occur in such a wide range of sizes I’ve also provided a chart which lists matched hook, bead, thread and wire sizes. The recipe is provided in three colors schemes with the black version being depicted in the tying photos. The tying photos provided here depict a fly very close to the original though like any creative tyer I have settled into my own personal groove with the Zebra Midge. In general, tailwaters and freestone rivers are home to the smallest species of chironomidae while stillwaters are home to the largest. Chironomid larvae range in size from 1mm to 3/4″ in length depending on location and species. A group of Zebra Midges in the three most commonly used colors in sizes 12, 16 and 20.Īs for size the majority of waters can be covered by tying Zebra Midges in the size 20 to 14 range. Traditionally tied with a tungsten bead they can also be tied with brass or glass beads depending on how fast it’s intended to sink and how much flash is desired. The most popular colors across the country are black, red and olive but each tailwater, freestone river and stillwater has a particular color that produces best ranging from black-the workhorse of midges-to wild colors like purple and chartreuse. Over the years the original idea has been adapted in every conceivable color and size to match the larvae of various chironomid species across the country. It’s where I was introduced to the original black and silver version, and became an immediate fan. The Zebra Midge was originated by Ted Wellings, a guide on the Colorado River at Lee’s Ferry Arizona in 1996, or so the story goes. As an angler the Zebra Midge is one of the easiest patterns to fish, but that’s a line of thought for another time. As a tying pattern it helps new tyers understand some of the complexities of thread handling. For this reason, I find the Zebra Midge to be a great pattern to start new tyers and anglers with. Getting the body taper on a size 24 can be tricky if it’s been a while since my last attempt. I enjoy tying these tiny, and not so tiny, morsels because they’re quick, I know they will catch trout around the country and they help me to refresh my thread handling skills. I personally tie hundreds of them annually. The Zebra Midge, and its myriad derivative incarnations have become staples for countless fly anglers across the country. At times they occur with such abundance that not having them in your fly box may mean the difference between a fruitful outing or just getting your line wet.Ĭlick to jump down to the step by step fly tying instructions. Although small in size, the chironomid larva which the Zebra Midge imitates, play a major role in the diet of trout throughout the year. Indeed, its simplistic appearance can be quite deceiving, until you consider the role chironomidae play in every habitable freshwater environment world-wide. Upon first glance, especially to a new fly angler or tyer the Zebra Midge may appear to be an insignificant fly. What Should I Pack Fly Fishing for Trout?.Fly Tying Tutorial – Hare’s Ear Special.Fly Tying Tutorial – Mini Hippie Stomper.Brady Laehr on How To Tie The Two Bit Hooker:…
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