PARACHUTE MIDGE CLUSTER (reprint)
The Parachute Midge Cluster is a pattern with a long heritage. In fact, Jim prefers to think of it more as an early evolutionary step and is waiting to see what its offspring may produce.
Jim writes, "Often when I am not stocking my fly boxes in preparation for a trip, my sessions at the vise are experimental ventures in the manipulation of materials and tying methods. It was during such a session a couple of years ago that the pattern came into being. At the time I was thinking of how one might easily create a spot on the water that would represent a collection of midges, i.e., a midge cluster. This fly was the result. It meets many of the criterion that I strive for when developing a new pattern; a simple, quick, easy tie utilizing common materials while producing the image I desire."
Materials:
- Hook: Size 14-16, dry fly.
- Thread: Black.
- Body: Thread and clump of Antron yarn.
- Wings: Body yarn, trimmed.
- Hackle: Grizzly.
- Head: Thread.
Method: The Parachute Midge Cluster
Step 1: Place a hook in the vise and apply a thread base that covers the center part of the hook shank. Leave the bobbin hanging in the center of this base.
Step 2: Tie on a clump of Antron dubbing or combed-out yarn at the center of the hook with three or four tight thread wraps. Pull up on the clump while tightening the turns of thread because it's important to keep it on top of the shank. Post this clump with three or four turns of thread as close to the hook shank as possible. Follow with two turns around the shank to the front of the post.
Step 3: Select a grizzly hackle feather and strip off the webbed material at the base of the stem. Bind the feather to the hook shank directly in front of the parachute post material.
Step 4: Wrap three or four turns of hackle around the post as close to the shank as possible. Tie the feather off in front of the post and trim the waste end. Whip finish and cut off the thread in front of the post. Apply a coating of head cement to thread wraps from the bottom of the hook. If necessary, press with your thumb to spread out the post. ~ Al & Gretchen Beatty
Credit: If you haven't picked up Innovative Flies And Techniques for your home library you've missed a terrific book with just tons of information. You would not learn everything in this book in a lifetime on your own. Al and Gretchen Beatty have done an outstanding job on Innovative Flies And Techniques, don't miss out. ~ DLB
| Sysadmin Note |
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| Published in FAOL on July 30, 2007. |
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