Welcome back to Tying Tuesday! This week, Taylor’s in the studio crafting a feisty little midge pattern – The Redneck Midge!
This lively fly features a buggy collar, a bold red neck (you guessed it!), and juicy ribbing designed to tempt even the pickiest trout into taking a bite. Get ready to turn those curious looks into strikes with this irresistible pattern!
💥 Tie it. Fish it. Love it. #TyingTuesday
Tips and Tricks for Fishing Attractor-Style Midge Patterns on Tailwaters
Fishing attractor-style midge patterns on tailwaters can be incredibly productive when done right. Here are some tips and tricks to help you maximize success:
1. Match the Size, Not Always the Color
- Tailwater trout are often keyed into specific midge sizes, so focus on matching the general size of the natural midges in the water. Attractor midges often work well because their exaggerated features, like vibrant ribbing or collars, stand out even when the color isn’t a perfect match.
2. Focus on Presentation
- Use a dead-drift presentation to mimic the natural behavior of midges. Tailwater trout are used to slow-moving or stationary food in the current.
- Employ a drag-free drift by mending your line frequently and using a light tippet (6X to 7X fluorocarbon).
- If fish seem hesitant, try a slight twitch or jigging motion to impart life-like movement.
3. Fish the Right Depth
- Midges are most active near the surface film (adults), mid-column (emerging pupae), and just off the bottom (larvae). Adjust your rig accordingly:
- Use a dry-dropper rig with an attractor midge as the dropper to imitate emerging midges.
- If fishing deeper, pair your attractor midge with a small tungsten beadhead pattern to get it into the strike zone.
4. Tailor Your Rig to Tailwater Conditions
- Tailwaters are known for clear water and picky fish. Using multiple flies can increase your chances:
- Tie on a high-contrast attractor midge (like a Red Neck or Zebra Midge) as your lead fly and a more natural, smaller midge pattern as the trailer.
- Experiment with split shot or micro-indicators to fine-tune the depth.
5. Key Times and Spots
- Midges are active year-round, but low-light periods like mornings, evenings, and overcast days are prime times.
- Look for:
- Slow seams where currents converge.
- Back eddies where midges often gather.
- Riffles and drop-offs, especially where fish are feeding just off the current.
6. Vary Your Fly Colors
- Attractor midges work because of their eye-catching features. Rotate between patterns with:
- Red, chartreuse, or purple accents.
- Flashy ribbing (e.g., silver, gold, or holographic tinsel).
- Contrasting hotspots like collars or beadheads.
7. Observe and Adapt
- Use polarized sunglasses to spot feeding fish and observe their behavior.
- Tailwater trout will often “sip” midges delicately—watch for subtle rises or subsurface flashes.
8. Adjust for Pressure
- On heavily fished tailwaters, trout can become leader-shy. Use lighter tippet and longer leaders to increase your odds.
- Try micro-midges (size 20–26) when fish turn selective. Pairing these with attractor midges can create an effective “confidence combo.”
9. Don’t Overlook Emergers
- Trout often focus on midge pupae or emergers just below the surface. Pair your attractor pattern with an unweighted emerger fished just beneath a dry fly or indicator.
10. Stay Stealthy
- Tailwater fish are notoriously spooky. Wading carefully, reducing casting shadows, and maintaining a low profile can make all the difference.
By combining these strategies with attractor-style midge patterns, you’ll be well-prepared to entice those finicky tailwater trout!
Recipe:
• Hook: Tiemco 2488, Size 18
• Thread: Fulling Mill Tungsten Bead 2MM, Black
• Thread: UTC 70D, Olive
• Ribbing: UTC Ultra Wire, Small, Black
• Hot Spot Collar: Veevus Holographic Tinsel, Small, Red
• Head Thread: Semperfli Nano Silk, 50D, Black
• Wing Case: Wapsi Mirage Tinsel, Medium, Opal
• Dubbing: Hareline, Hares Ear Dubbing, Black
• Resin: Solarez Bone Dry
Check out some of our favorite Fly Tying Gear:
- Vise – Dynaking Barracuda Deluxe Pedestal Vise
- Scissors – Kopter ABSOLUTE Blade Micro Serrated Edge Thin Point
- Bodkin – Dr. Slick Jumbo Carbon Fiber Bodkin
- Whip Finisher – Tiemco Midge Whip Finisher
- Tool Kit – Umpqua Dream Stream Plus 7 Piece Fly Tying Tool Kit
