{
  "url": "https://theflybench.com/patterns/eric-s-midge",
  "id": "cm8v25j080070usxbxbinjk64",
  "title": "Eric's Midge",
  "slug": "eric-s-midge",
  "description": "Eric's Midge is a well-known and well-respected midge pattern. Its simplicity and effectiveness make it a favorite among many fly fishers. It is designed to imitate the pupal stage of a midge's life cycle.",
  "imitates": "Midges",
  "patternCategory": "midge-emerger",
  "difficulty": "Intermediate",
  "targetSpecies": "Trout",
  "waterTypes": [
    "Stillwater",
    "Moving Water"
  ],
  "seasons": [
    "Spring",
    "Summer",
    "Fall"
  ],
  "materials": "**Hook**: Tiemco 2487, size #16–#20, 2X short curved shank for midges\n**Thread**: Black Veevus 14/0\n**Body**: Superfine dubbing in olive\n**Ribbing**: Fine gold wire\n**Shell**: Solarez Bone Dry UV resin",
  "images": [
    {
      "url": "/images/patterns/midge-emerger/eric-s-midge.webp",
      "source": "The Fly Bench"
    }
  ],
  "videos": [
    {
      "url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpM4wAe7TLg",
      "label": "Marty's Bench"
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EdeuRSA6qg",
      "label": "InTheRiffle"
    }
  ],
  "createdAt": "2025-03-29T22:20:16.301Z",
  "updatedAt": "2025-04-01T23:31:06.079Z",
  "variantOf": "",
  "regions": [
    "Rocky Mountain",
    "Southwest"
  ],
  "waters": [
    "San Juan River"
  ],
  "tags": [
    "dead-drift",
    "midge-hatch",
    "low-clear-water"
  ],
  "essential": false,
  "tier": "",
  "entomology": {
    "order": "Diptera",
    "family": "Chironomidae",
    "commonName": "Midge",
    "organismType": "insect",
    "lifeStage": "general",
    "behavior": "Midge pupae hang vertically in the surface film with gas bubbles trapped under their pupal shucks, struggling to break through the meniscus during calm-water emergence periods. Tailwater trout develop extraordinary selectivity to these size-specific presentations because midges emerge in such overwhelming numbers that fish can afford to feed exclusively on a single life stage, rejecting anything that doesn't match the precise silhouette and behavior of hanging pupae."
  },
  "relatedPatterns": [
    {
      "slug": "tubing-midge",
      "type": "same-hatch"
    },
    {
      "slug": "chironocones",
      "type": "same-hatch"
    },
    {
      "slug": "biot-midge-pupa",
      "type": "same-hatch"
    },
    {
      "slug": "glo-brite-miracle-midge",
      "type": "same-hatch"
    },
    {
      "slug": "adams-fly",
      "type": "same-hatch"
    },
    {
      "slug": "griffith-s-gnat",
      "type": "same-hatch"
    },
    {
      "slug": "hatching-midge",
      "type": "same-hatch"
    },
    {
      "slug": "poly-wing-midge",
      "type": "same-hatch"
    }
  ],
  "behaviorPresentation": "**Natural Behavior**: Midge pupae hang vertically in the surface film with gas bubbles trapped under their casings, struggling to break through the surface tension during calm-water emergence periods.\n**Where Trout Eat It**: Fish sip pupae hanging vertically in surface film during tailwater midge emergences in the San Juan River. The UV resin shell creates realistic sheen imitating gas-trapped pupal casing as insect struggles to break through meniscus during calm-water hatches.\n**How to Fish It**: Dead-drift just under surface or in film with greased leader to within 6 inches of fly. Use light tippet (7X-8X) for delicate presentation. Fish as dropper below visible dry or on its own during concentrated midge hatches in morning and evening periods.\n**Best Water**: Work tailwater tail-outs, seams, and foam lines where midge pupae concentrate during calm-water emergence. Target spring creek flats and slow glides where fish develop selective feeding rhythms.\n**Strike Type**: Trout sip the emerger with delicate rises barely breaking the surface; watch for tiny rings or subtle dimples and set gently.",
  "fishingStrategy": "**Rigging Suggestions**: Rig this pattern on a light tippet and use a strike indicator for best results.\n**Seasonal Timing**: Most effective March through November with peak activity during cooler months. Fish morning and evening when hatches are most concentrated.\n**Pro Tips**: This pattern is designed to sink and imitate a midge pupa. The resin coating gives the fly a little shine, making it more visible underwater.",
  "overview": "A sparse, parachute-style midge emerger tied with a fine thread body, CDC wing, and minimal tail or shuck. Often finished with a post of white or gray to aid visibility. It floats low in the film and is a proven pattern during selective midge hatches."
}