Euro NymphsJig Thread Midge
The Jig Thread Midge, also known as the "Yong Special," is a versatile midge pupa pattern that works equally well on euro rigs or under a dry fly. This minimalist design by Cheech at Fly Fish Food uses just silk thread for the body, creating a slim profile that perfectly imitates midge pupae. The best colors are cream and brown, though experimenting with colors to match local midge populations is encouraged.
Year Round
Beginner
Trout
Overview
The Jig Thread Midge represents the ultimate in minimalist fly design. The pure silk body creates a natural segmentation and subtle sheen that closely mimics the translucent appearance of midge pupae. This pattern ties quickly and requires minimal materials, making it easy to keep a full selection of sizes and colors in your box. The jig hook orientation helps the fly ride point-up for better hookups and fewer snags.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Fulling Mill 5045 Jig Force Barbless, size #22 (or Dohiku HDJ Jig)
Thread: Semperfli Classic Waxed Spyder Thread 18/0, black
Bead: Hanak Round+ Slotted Tungsten, gold, 2.5mm (or Firehole Stones 2.5mm black nickel, or Fulling Mill 2.4mm gold)
Body: Semperfli Pure Silk, brown #17
Fishing Tips
Season
Effective year-round wherever midges are present. Particularly deadly during winter months when midges are the primary food source, and during spring and fall midge emergences.
Presentation
Fish on a tight line euro rig for maximum sensitivity to subtle takes, or drop 12-18 inches below a dry fly or small indicator. Dead drift through likely holding water, maintaining direct contact with the fly.
When to Use
Deploy when you see fish rising to midges or when other patterns aren't producing. Excellent during midge emergences in the surface film. Also effective as a searching pattern on tailwaters year-round.
Water Type
Excels in all moving water types, particularly slower pools and tailouts where midges concentrate. The small profile and weighted bead work well in both shallow riffles and deeper runs.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on 6X-7X fluorocarbon tippet to match the small hook size. Use as point fly in euro rigs or as dropper below larger nymphs. Multiple sizes (#18-#24) allow you to match various midge species.
Visibility & Floatation
The tungsten bead provides appropriate sink rate for the small fly size while the silk body creates a subtle glow. The jig hook orientation helps the fly sink efficiently and reduces snags.
