“Semperfli is responsible for a lot of my favorite materials. The Straggle String is no exception. This material has the right length of strands for most trout bugs and can be used in many ways. This style (inspired by a In this week’s episode of Tying Tuesdays, watch as Brady ties The Cluster [Midge]! “Midges can be a very important part of a trout’s diet. Especially in many tailwater fishers throughout winter. You might not think of dry fly fishing in December but there is always a chance these tiny bugs will hatch in a swarm encouraging a huge fish to look up. During those exciting moments, you want to make sure you have some imitations handy to take advantage of. The Cluster is the right choice for this moment. The name suites the fly in the fact that it is imitating a cluster of Midges. There are a lot of versions of this fly out there. The one we tied here most closely matches that of the Bob Quigley featured in the Umpqua Feather Merchants catalog. The “Hackle Stacker” method of tying allows for a large bunch of hackle that is isolated to the top of the fly. This allows it to sit somewhat low in the water while remaining visible. With the added flash mid-section, the fish see it just as easily. This bug is one to have stored and ready for those magical moments of winter dry fly fishing.”
Ingredients, Tools & Recipe
- Hook – Firehole 718 – (18 – 24)
- Thread – Semperfli Waxed – (18/0 Grey)
- Hackle – Whiting Midge Saddle – (Dun)
- Body – Peacock Herl
- Flash – Hareline Pearlescent Tinsel – (Medium)
The technique you use definitely puts the majority of the hackle above the hook shank. It should certainly let the fly ride lower in the water. I haven’t fished a Griffith’s Gnat very often and, after seeing this pattern, I don’t think I ever will again. Nice.