The Antron Midge

Midges are a year round food source for trout. They are effective during the winter months, when most of the hatches are on vacation. If you see consistent rising trout taking something you can't see on the water, you should suspect midges. Midging trout aren't as cautious - they feed in a frenzy. Since they eat more of the emerging pupa, mos. of the action is just below the surface film. Midge pupa come in browns, gray, greens, reds, tans and black with sizes # l6 to #28.

Alone with the upstream diagonal cast and the direct frontal cast with mending, you might want to try skid casting. This is simply a cast slightly above the feeding fish and to the side. Then by raising the tip of your rod, skid the fly toward the feeding lane. Then drop the tip and feed out slack line for a drag free drift. Should you see a rise in the vicinity of the fly, tighten up. The midges are very hard to see but fortunately trout don't usually spit the fly out and you should wait until the descent before the setting of the hook.

Here is your tying instruction;

Tail: Black Antron or Z-Lon
Wingcase: Black or gray CDC Feathers
Thorax: Dark olive dubbing
Hook: TMC #2487 size #20 or 22
Thread: 8/0 black or olive

1. Tie in Z-Lon tail to gaps at the halfway point from the eye.
2. Tie in CDC fibers at intersection of Z-Lon halfway down from the eye.
3. Dub and wrap dubbing, covering front half of the fly.
4. Pull CDC feathers over the wing case, and flare remaining
CDC Fibers up for an emerging wing.
5. Whip finish.

H. Roberson