In this week’s “How to Tie” feature, McFly Angler ties a dry fly that will leave you itching to get back on the water this winter, Matts Midge.
Learn How to Tie This Fly:
Difficulty: Easy
If you are watching trout rise this winter, the odds are pretty good they are eating both emerging and adult midges. For anglers who have not seen midges before, your first indication they are hatching will be watching trout rise to what will appear as nothing. The average size for a midge falls between sizes 18-24 for hooks, making them extremely difficult to see on the water if you are not paying close attention. You can find comfort in knowing your eyes are not deceiving you and being prepared for your next outing by bringing Matts Midge along for the ride.
Tying flies size 20 and smaller can be very difficult and frustrating for novices, but it’s important to not become discouraged. Taking your time on these flies, starting off with sourcing the right size materials, is essential for tyers of any skill level. This fly uses a Daiichi 1110 wide gape dry fly hook which will make it easier to tie onto tippet and keep you from accidentally overcrowding the hook eye while on the vise. Small flies can be tedious and mentally exhausting, but Matts Midge is worth the effort if you want to consistently fool trout with a dry fly this winter.
Be ready to bring your best set of eyes and smallest tippet with this pattern. You can always choose a single fly to chase rising trout, but adding a slightly larger counterpart is a way to save yourself some squinting. It is common to use 5-7x when fishing small flies, so make sure you are prepared to have tippet that will fit the hook eye and won’t spook skittish fish. Matts Midge likely won’t be your best friend on the vise but will certainly make for some of the most memorable moments in winter if you can find cooperative trout feeding on the surface.
Ingredients:
- Hook: Daiichi 1110 – Size 24
- Thread: Black Veevus – 16/0
- Wing: White CDC Oiler Puff
- Hackle: Black Whiting or Metz Rooster Cape
- Head Cement: Hard as Hull
Now you know how to tie Matts Midge!
Video courtesy of McFly Angler.
