Copper Midge

The Copper Midge is a really nice midge pattern. I'm always looking for new midges to put in my box because you can find them nearly everywhere, and they are around all seasons.

Begin the pattern on a scud hook, usually sizes 18 to 20, with a copper bead at the front. I tie the fly with a black Semperfli Nanosilk. Start the thread behind the bead and wrap about mid-way down the hook shank. I use two strands of copper-colored crystal flash when I tie the pattern, but I've seen others use a single strand. Secure the flash on the center top of the hook and continue taking thread wraps rearward fairly deep into the hook bend. Cut the flash a hook shank in length and remove the butt ends. This will represent the bug's shuck.

After returning the thread a bead length behind the bead, tie in a strand of small copper wire and take thread wraps back into the hook bend to the base of the shuck. Take open wraps of the copper wire up the abdomen until just behind the bead. Since the thread remained back at the hook bend, take thread wraps back to behind the bead with the wraps straddling the open copper wire wraps. Remove the remaining copper wire.

Advance the thread back towards the bend until it dangles just at the hook point. Tie in a small clump of white McFlylon fibers. Once secure, cut them in length to half the abdomen length and remove the butt ends. After cleaning up the butt ends, tie in a peacock herl at the base of the McFlylon wing bud and advance the thread until it is behind the bead. Take touching wraps of the herl until it is seated behind the bead. Secure it and remove the excess.

Finally, whip finish right behind the bead and remove the thread. Your midge is ready to fish!