Midge / EmergersKimball's Emerger
Kimball's Emerger is an effective simple midge emerger pattern that effectively imitates chironomids transitioning from nymphs to adults in the surface film. This sparse pattern features a natural mallard flank shuck trailing behind, a macrame yarn wing for visibility, a black Superfine dubbed thorax, and a grizzly hackle collar wrapped sparse to keep the fly riding in the film. The minimalist design is fast to tie and foolproof on selective trout.
Year Round
Beginner
Trout
Dec 2025
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box showcases the effectiveness of simple, well-designed emerger patterns. Kimball's Emerger follows the less-is-more philosophy that works so well for midge imitations. The mallard flank shuck suggests the trailing husk of an emerging insect, while the sparse grizzly hackle keeps the fly suspended in the surface film where trout expect to find struggling emergers. The macrame yarn wing provides visibility for the angler without adding bulk that might alarm wary fish.
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 2488, #18-22
Thread: Veevus 14/0, black
Shuck: Mallard Flank, natural
Wing: Polypropylene Macrame Yarn, white or gray
Thorax: Superfine Dubbing, black
Hackle: Rooster Cape (or Midge Saddle), grizzly
Behavior & Presentation
Natural Behavior: Emerging midges hang suspended just beneath the surface film, wriggling as they break free from their pupal sheath to transform into flying adults. The concentrated emergence activity and vulnerable position of these tiny insects create feeding frenzies among selective trout.
Where Trout Eat It: Trout sip emergers suspended in surface film during midge hatches on spring creeks in smooth runs, pool glides, and slick water.
How to Fish It: Dead drift with 9-foot 5X leader plus 24 inches of 6X-7X tippet. Fish solo with small foam indicator 3 feet above fly, or drop behind larger dry as indicator.
Best Water: Spring creek glides with slow-moving currents, smooth pool tailouts where midge emergers concentrate, and eddy seams with minimal surface disturbance.
Strike Type: Fish rising to this emerger produce tiny rings that expand slowly from pinpoint takes. The sparse grizzly hackle means trout can inhale the pattern without resistance, creating barely-visible sips that require watching the wing post disappear rather than waiting for indicator movement.
Fishing Strategy
Rigging Suggestions: Fish on a 9-12 foot leader tapering to 6X-7X tippet for delicate presentations. Can be fished solo or as a dropper behind a more visible dry fly like a Griffith's Gnat or Parachute Adams.
Seasonal Timing: as midges are present in most waters throughout the year. Particularly productive during winter and early spring midge hatches when trout feed heavily in the surface film.
Pro Tips: Apply floatant sparingly to the wing only.
Entomology
Emerging midges hang suspended just beneath the surface film, wriggling as they break free from their pupal sheath to transform into flying adults. The concentrated emergence activity and vulnerable position of these tiny insects create feeding frenzies among selective trout.
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Chironomidae
- Common Name
- Midge
- Organism Type
- insect
- Life Stage
- emerger