Lee’s Ferry Midge
Midge larvae are very simple, primitive animals. Consequently, the flies that imitate them
are simple in design and simple to tie. The key features imitated by most midge larva
patterns are a segmented body and an obvious head.
The Lee’s Ferry Midge is a typical representative of a whole host of midge larva patterns
that incorporate these simple, impressionistic features. For as easy as it is to tie (this one
took 3 minutes including the time to take the pictures myself), it is deadly effective. It is
used as a “go-to” pattern by many guides and anglers in the Four Corners area. I’m not
sure who developed it, but I see the fly in lots of fly shops in this area.
I’d like to thank Jerry Schaeffer and Chris Hines of Western Anglers Fly Shop, Grand Junction,
Colorado, for teaching me how to fish this fly; and Jeremy Drumm, also of Western Anglers,
for teaching me how to tie it.
Materials
Hooks: TMC 2487, 2488, or Dai-Riki 135, size 16-24.
Pictured is a Dai-Riki 135, size 18.
Bead Head: Glass Bead, sized to hook. Midge- or extra
small-sized fly shop beads; Petite-sized fabric store beads for most hook sizes. Pictured
is a fly-shop extra small.*
Thread: 8/0 or 12/0 Tying Thread. Pictured is 8/0*.
Body: 8/0 or 12/0 Tying Thread. Pictured is 8/0*.
Ribbing: Fine Wire.*
Thorax: Dubbing to match thread (optional).
*Typical color schemes are listed below. Match midges you see in the water:
Pearl, white, or diamond bead, black thread, silver wire (pictured)
Pearl, white, or diamond bead, dark olive thread, silver wire
Pearl, white, or diamond bead, gray thread, silver wire
Pearl, white, or diamond bead, brown thread, gold or silver wire
Copper (copper-colored glass) bead, brown thread, silver wire
Pearl, white, diamond, or red bead, red thread, silver wire
Originally published July 17, 2000 on Fly Anglers Online by Ralph D’Andrea.