In this week’s “How to Tie” video feature, Charlie Craven ties a unique midge pattern every angler should be gearing up for winter with, the Jujubee Midge.
Learn About This Fly:
Difficulty: Easy
Daylight savings is upon us, stripping anglers of sacred fishing time after work and putting a damper on things initially. On the bright side, the mornings will remain warm enough in the meantime to get on the water and target trout. As the temperatures drop and fish become more selective and lethargic, it’s smart to consider what patterns you’re going to need to find success. Midges are always a ticket for that success during winter and the Jujubee Midge is a perfect pattern to add to your arsenal in preparation.
Keeping this fly skinny may be challenging for novice tyers, but following Charlie’s advice regarding thread will ensure the profile stays accurate. You’ll be able to add your twist to this pattern simply by changing the SuperHair colors until you find a specific combination that works best in your water. For picky or overfished trout, showing new and unique flies is a good way to tempt them into a reactionary bite. Although the Jujubee Midge won’t create many headaches on the vise, it’s always wise to take your time to ensure the body does not become too bulky.
Whether you prefer tightline nymphing or using an indicator, this pattern is perfect in a tandem. Using a point fly or split shot to get your flies down into the feeding zone will be key, as midges often times are weightless. Dropping down tippet size with midges is also wise to ensure as natural a drift as possible and to increase your chances with picky fish. If you need any more convincing, the Jujubee Midge was created and field tested by Charlie Craven, a name every tyer should know and trust!
Ingredients:
- Hook: #16-22 TMC 2488
- Thread: White Veevus 14/0
- Abdomen: Two Strands of Chartreuse Color SuperHair and One Strand of Black
- Thorax: Black 8/0 Uni-Thread
- Wing Case: White Fluoro Fibre
Now you know how to tie the Jujubee Midge!
Video and ingredients courtesy of Charlie’s Fly Box.
