Paul's February 2016 Fly of the Month

Zebra Midge

Hook:  Tiemco 2457 or 2487  Size #16-#26. 

Tying thread:   Black 8/0 or UTC 70.

Bead:  Bead of choice – Traditionally a silver metal bead.  Tyers also use glass beads.  My favorite is a white metal bead.

Body:  Black 8/0 or UTC 70.  You can also tie it in red, olive, brown or color of  choice.

Rib:  Small silver wire.

Wing (optional):  Two (2) strands of pearl Krystal Flash. 

Many fly tyers are very hesitant to tie small flies.  The Zebra Midge is an excellent pattern to begin “tying small”.  When tying small flies remember that “less is better”.  It doesn’t get much simpler than this pattern.  Zebra midges imitate midges in the larval form.  They are on the water all year long and are known as Chironomids.   In the larval state they are also known as “blood worms”.   This pattern originated in Arizona along the Colorado River.  It’s attributed to a guide by the name of Ted Welling.  It’s an excellent fly for rivers and still water bodies.

Begin by placing your bead on the hook.  Start your thread behind the bead and wrap down past the bend of the hook.  Bring your thread back up behind the bead and tie in your silver rib.   Cover it completely and form a tapered slender body for your fly.  End with your thread behind the bead.  At this point I do something a little different than most tyers.  I coat the body of the fly with “tough as nails”.  It provides a little sheen and durability.  I then wrap my rib up behind the eye.  Clip the tag end and tie it off.  Your fly is done.  There are countless variations to this fly from changing the color thread used; to placing a hot spot in back of the bead; to tying in a wing bud of two strands of Krystal Flash.  One of the great things about fly tying is experimenting and seeing what works best on the stream.  See what works best for you.   

There is a great instructional video by Tight lines video below.

If you have any questions about this fly or would like to submit a Fly of The Month I can be reached at 203 305-3850 or e-mail me at pdinice@frontier.com .