Another weekend where I’m unable to get to the river. The foot is now nearly healed, however, due to the snow melt and after some heavy rain a few evenings ago, the river is in full spate. So, what to do…it’s time for a few midges.

I saw Modern Midges (by Rick Takahashi & Jerry Hubka, Headwater Books, ISBN: 1934753009) first advertised at 2009′s BFFI, and to be honest, had only heard murmurs throughout the internet’s small fly enthusiasts. It was only when Andy over at Small Fly Funk mentioned it further during an email conversation, and after he’d written a fantastic review, did I really sit up and take notice.

Andy’s review will do a far better job than I’m able to provide, so I’ll leave it to the small-fly master to lead the way, however, what I will say, is that Modern Midges offers the small fly tier a huge knowledge-base and reference styled book. Via outstanding step-by-steps, a truly incredible amount of detailed patterns, and via tying instructions and a little theory, this book is a winner. If you’re into the small stuff (and along with Ed Engle’s pinoeering small fly books) Modern Midges is another invaluable resource.

The step-by-steps in Modern Midges are detailed and precise, just like the standard of both tying and writing.

The scope and range of patterns, as well as their tying instructions and ingredients is incredible.

Anyway, back to the tying…where was I? Ah yes…midge clusters.

Mating midges attach themselves to each other during their ‘action’ stage and form a mess of tiny bodies and fragile wings.

Double Badger (variant)

 
A great pattern to use when fish are sipping this form of midgey mess is the Griffith’s Gnat, however, a more delicate pattern can be seen in the form of the Double Badger. I don’t, unfortunately, have any badger hackles small enough to tie the pattern in size #24, however, medium dun should work just fine…

Sparkle Midges

 
I’ve been tying and fishing this pattern since last August, and it’s a fantastic pattern to fish on the slower glides where suspicious trout like to lay. Small tippet can be a royal pain in the ass sometimes, but on these slower waters the idea goes that the thinner the tippet, the less drag you’ll experience. I’m not too sure HOW much of a difference this makes of course, but we anglers are known to act a little obsessed or crazy at time.

I tie this pattern in two styles. The first option is to tie the fly as the mighty Paul Procter ties it; with a tail of Micro Flash and a small amount of hackle wound around the center of the body. The second option is to tie the fly on a curved hook (so that the body lies in the surface) and with the Micro Flash tied in as wings and in the standard format, i.e – just behind the eye.

Options #1: Sparkle Midge as per Paul Procter’s method, with Micro Flash tied in as a tail.

Options #2: Sparkle Midge on curved hook with Micro Flash as wing.

 
Give these patterns a try, they’re great for sipping or slightly wisened fish.

Happy midging campers!

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