Hatching Midge

The Hatching Midge is a simple yet effective pattern featuring a unique hackling technique that sets it apart from standard midge imitations. The UV flash trailing shuck represents the pupal case while the grizzle hackle provides movement and floatation. A reliable producer that won't disappoint when trout are keyed in on emerging midges.

Hatching Midge fly pattern - imitates Midge Emergers tied for Trout
  • Beginner
  • Year Round
  • Trout
  • Size 12–18
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The Hatching Midge is a simple yet effective pattern featuring a unique hackling technique that sets it apart from standard midge imitations. The UV flash trailing shuck represents the pupal case while the grizzle hackle provides movement and floatation. A reliable producer that won't disappoint when trout are keyed in on emerging midges.

More Midges & Emergers

See all
Mercury BrassieBeginnerPoly Wing MidgeBeginnerThread MidgeBeginnerBaetis Foam EmergerIntermediate

Materials

Hook
Mustad R30, size #12–#18
Thread
Sheer 14/0, black
Trailing Shuck
UV flash
Abdomen
Black tying thread, built up
Hackle
Grizzle saddle hackle
Thorax
Olive Superfine dubbing

Overview

This pattern from Barry Ord Clarke showcases a lesser-known hackling technique that creates a unique presentation in the surface film. The simplicity of the materials list makes it quick to tie in quantity—essential for midge fishing where multiple fly changes are common. The UV flash shuck adds a subtle sparkle that imitates the air bubble trapped in a natural's pupal shuck. Vary the thread color and dubbing to match local midge species.

Related patterns

Desert StormShop VacThe Stillwater NymphChironoconesCrystal Dip

Behavior & presentation

Natural Behavior
Emergers push through the surface film with pupal shucks trailing behind, creating doubled silhouettes as adults break free. This emergence struggle concentrates insects in the meniscus layer where selective trout feed methodically on the most vulnerable lifecycle phase.
Where Trout Eat It
Fish sip emergers suspended in the surface film during year-round emergence periods, especially in tailwaters and spring creeks.
How to Fish It
Dead drift in the film with the trailing shuck anchoring the rear while hackle elevates the thorax.
Best Water
Focus on calm water, eddies, foam lines, and seams in spring creeks and lake margins where hatching midges gather.
Strike Type
Look for subtle sipping rises with minimal disturbance indicating fish feeding selectively in the film.

Fishing strategy

Rigging Suggestions
Use 12-foot or longer leaders tapered to 6X–7X tippet. Fish as a single dry or trail behind a larger dry fly.
Seasonal Timing
as midges hatch in all seasons. Particularly productive during winter and early spring when midges are the primary food source, and during summer evenings when midge activity peaks.
Pro Tips
Rides in the surface film with the shuck trailing below. Apply floatant sparingly to hackle only.

Entomology

Midge emergers push through the surface film with their pupal shucks trailing behind, creating doubled silhouettes as the adult breaks free from its larval casing. This emergence struggle concentrates insects in the meniscus layer where selective trout feed methodically, targeting the most vulnerable phase of the midge lifecycle.

Order
Diptera
Family
Chironomidae
Common name
Midge
Organism
insect
Life stage
emerger

Pattern details

  • Moving Water
  • Stillwater
  • Worldwide
  • dead-drift
  • midge-hatch
  • beginner-friendly
  • low-clear-water
  • tailwater
  • spring-creek

Get this fly

Hatching Midge, tied and ready to fish

Hook #12 to #18 · Beginner

Buy at The Blue Quill Angler