Midge hatch

[wayneb]

Hi All;

Went fishing this evening and it appeared like midges were hatching everywhere, fish were dimpling the surface, and jumping out of the water chasing bugs.

I tried soft hackles with no luck, caught a couple on a size 12 gurgle pop and missed a lot more.

Any one know of a good pattern to use??

Wayne

[dpenrod]

hard to beat a griffith's gnat, size 18 or 20. fish it wet or dry. have had really good luck with it in the situation you describe.

[appalachian angler]

I have caught bluegills during a good midge hatch on a small lake using the good ol' Griffith's gnat as well. You just have to remember to set the hook imediately so the fish do not have a chance to take the fly too deep

aa

[Bluegill222]

Griffith's gnat is good. Around here this time of year that might also be a mosquito hatch (they don't bite until after they've mated, so you are relatively safe during the hatch) and I've found both dry and emerger patterns about a size bigger than the naturals can be killers.

[Thwack]

I've had Griffith's Gnats hit while repositioning my kayak as well. The fly got pulled under and suddenly I was getting far more hits than when it was floating high & dry.

So, if you're chasing a midge hatch, consider pulling the fly back slowwwwwwwly to you (just crawl the line in with one hand working it in with your fingers).

Just another way to do something the fish aren't expecting (and aren't used to ignoring).

[wayneb]

Hi Guys;

Thanks for the suggestions!

Off to the store later this week to get some small hooks and small grizzly whiting's 100's


Wayne