What a Midge Is
In fly fishing, midges are small aquatic flies in the group that includes chironomids. They are present in many rivers and lakes and are often among the most abundant food available to trout. Midge flies are tied to match them and are often sized 18 or smaller (see the fly hook size chart), with many anglers fishing patterns in sizes down to 22 or beyond. Because midges can hatch in cold weather, they are especially useful in winter and early spring.
Midge vs Nymph
Midges and nymphs overlap. “Nymph” is a general term for the underwater, immature stage of insects like mayflies and stoneflies. A midge has a different life cycle: its immature stages are called larvae and pupae. So a midge larva or pupa pattern is technically not a nymph, though many anglers fish them the same way, with a small fly beneath an indicator or as part of a nymph rig. In practice, “midge” mainly means “very small,” slim and simple.
Life Stages and Patterns
Midges develop through four stages, but anglers mostly use three kinds of flies:
- Larva: thin, worm-like patterns, usually fished near the bottom.
- Pupa: slightly fatter with a bead or wing buds, rising in the water as the insect prepares to hatch.
- Adult or cluster: surface patterns that imitate emerged midges.
Best Midge Patterns
- Zebra Midge: a slim pattern, often with a bead head and thread-and-wire body. One of the most popular midge flies.
- Brassie: a simple, wire-bodied larva pattern.
- Griffith’s Gnat: a surface pattern that imitates clusters of adult midges.
- Midge emergers and pupa patterns: flies fished in or just under the film.
- Red or “blood” midge: imitates a red larva found in some waters.
Carry a few colors, often black, olive, red and cream, in a few sizes.
Rigging and Tippet
Small flies call for light tippet (often fluorocarbon; see fluorocarbon vs mono), often 5X to 7X, though this depends on the fly size and fish size. Light tippet helps flies sink naturally and fool wary trout, but it breaks more easily, so keep drag settings gentle and avoid hard strikes.
Common setups include:
- A small indicator with a midge pupa or larva beneath it.
- A larger, more visible fly with a midge dropper on a short section of tippet.
- A dry fly with a midge emerger trailing behind.
Tying small flies is easier with good light, a clean tippet end, and a knot you trust.
Where and When
Midges can hatch all year, but they often matter most in cold months and in slow, smooth water where trout can take their time. Look for deeper pools, tailouts and slow seams, and fish during the warmest part of the day in winter. Subtle dimples at the surface, rather than splashy rises, can mean fish are eating midges.
Hooking and Landing Fish on Small Flies
Small hooks and light tippet leave little room for error. Set the hook gently with a short lift, keep steady pressure, and use a net. Barbless hooks can make releasing fish easier, and some waters require them.
FAQ
What is the best fly pattern for midge fishing?
The Zebra Midge is a widely used choice, while a Griffith’s Gnat is common for adults on the surface.
What is the holy grail of fly fishing?
There is no agreed answer. Some anglers say a specific species, others a challenging fish on tiny flies; it is subjective.
Are midges only for winter?
No. They can work all year, although they are most useful when other insects are scarce. For general fly choices, see our guide to must-have trout flies, and see best trout flies for autumn for seasonal ideas.