Video: How to Tie a Simple Midge Larva

In his weekly fly-tying video, Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions offers a tep-by-step lesson in one of the simpler flies he’s ever features. But there’s one catch: it’s a size 24. But don’t worry about trying to handle and attach too many tiny tying materials, for this pattern features just tying thread, a little copper wire, and some permanent marker. The result is an effective midge-larva imitation that can be tied in various colors to match the naturals in the waters you fish. As you will see, Tim has already landed a sweet brown on the Simple Midge Larva for his first trout of 2016.

Maybe you will, too!


Simple Midge Larva
Hook: 3X-long natural-bend hook (here a Dai-Riki #270), sizes 20-24.
Thread.body: Yellow-olive, 8/0 or 70-denier.
Rib: Copper Ultra Wire, extra-small.
Head: Tying thread, colored with a permanent marker.
Tools: Needle-nose pliers.

Note: Tie this pattern in colors to match the naturals you find or in standard colors, such as white, black, and red.

3 thoughts on “Video: How to Tie a Simple Midge Larva”

  1. Nice,
    reminds me of the famed chironomid fishing in Kamloops. Tried it, liked it, and caught fish 🙂
    Thanks for sharing.
    Harry

  2. I notice that in the UK, where midges are called “Buzzers”, midges are almost always finished with a coat of clear Hard as Nails, epoxy, or UV epoxy. This seems to give the fly a more translucent appearance, an appearance that seems evident in the video.

    I have tried the UK style fly here in New Zealand with good success.

    As usual a truly top class ‘how-too’.

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