WINTER BLUES
In the Northeast once the banks are frozen, you need 2 things. First you need Midge patterns. And second, you need something blue. The Winter Blue pattern has been in my midge box for a few years now and is one of those killer-or-bust patterns. Whenever I find midging trout, it's usually one of the first patterns I reach for. I'll know within a few casts whether I am going to have a typical midge day, or a phenomenal day. They either kill this pattern, or they ignore it completely. It has accounted for my best winter midge days on several streams in central PA, and my best day ever on the Tulpehocken tail water.
I fish this pattern with a floating line and grease the tippet only. It's simple to tie and catches fish.
Materials:
- Hook: #18-20 Emerger
- Thread: Black 8/0 Uni-thread
- Abdomen: Gold Holographic Tinsel
- Rib: Medium Blue Uni-wire
- Thorax: White Ice-dub
Stage#1: start thread
Stage#2: Tie in wire and wrap back to a point approximately 1/3 around the hook bend.
Stage#3: Tie in tinsel and wrap back to same point as wire.
Stage#4: Wrap tinsel forward to a point one eye-length behind the eye.
Stage#5: Wrap wire forward to a point one eye-length behind the eye.
Stage#6: Dub thorax and whip finish.
For more great info, check out:
Beginning Fly Tying | Intermediate Fly Tying | Advanced Fly Tying.