Dry FliesMadison Buzzer
The Madison Buzzer is a high-visibility midge cluster pattern designed for the challenging midge fishing on the Madison River and similar waters. The bleached sparkle dun deer hair wing provides exceptional visibility while the silver wire ribbing adds subtle flash. The grizzly hackle and sparse body create a realistic midge cluster profile.
Year Round
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
The Madison Buzzer was developed at Blue Ribbon Flies specifically for the technical midge fishing common on the Madison River. The bleached deer hair wing provides visibility that most midge patterns lack, while maintaining a realistic cluster profile. The 14/0 thread allows minimal bulk on small hooks.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 2488 or Umpqua U201, #18-20
Thread: Gordon Griffiths, 14/0, black
Rib: Ultra Wire, extra small, silver
Wing: Sparkle Dun Deer Hair, bleached
Hackle: Grizzly dry fly hackle
Fishing Tips
Season
Effective year-round during midge activity. Particularly productive during winter and spring when midges are the primary food source on many tailwaters and spring creeks.
Presentation
Dead drift in feeding lanes where midge clusters collect. The pattern should ride high on the surface with the wing visible. Focus on slow water and seams during midge activity.
When to Use
Best during midge hatches when fish are rising to clusters rather than individual midges. The high visibility makes this pattern ideal when tracking standard midge patterns becomes difficult.
Water Type
Designed for the Madison River but effective on any water with significant midge activity. Ideal for tailwaters, spring creeks, and slow-moving freestone sections.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on 12-15 foot leader with 6X-7X tippet. The pattern can serve as an indicator for smaller midge droppers. Keep the wing dressed with floatant.
Visibility & Floatation
Excellent visibility from the bleached deer hair wing. The combination of hackle and deer hair provides reliable floatation. One of the most visible midge patterns available.
