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.
Related patterns
Behavior & presentation
- Natural Behavior
- Adult midges cluster on the surface film after emergence or during egg-laying, sitting with wings held tent-like while unable to escape quickly. Despite tiny individual size, their massive numbers during peak hatches create exclusive feeding opportunities.
- Where Trout Eat It
- Fish sip clusters floating in the surface film along feeding lanes and seams where current concentrates emerging adults. Slow currents allow selective feeding on specific cluster sizes.
- How to Fish It
- Drag-free drift through feeding lanes positions the high-riding pattern where clusters naturally collect. The visible wing helps anglers track tiny presentations in challenging light.
- Best Water
- Focus on seams where midge clusters accumulate, tail-outs with gentle currents for sipping rises, and slicks that allow surface inspection.
- Strike Type
- Subtle sips or barely visible disturbances in the film require patient observation before gentle sets.
Fishing strategy
- 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.
- Seasonal Timing
- Effective year-round during midge activity. Particularly productive during when midges are the primary food source on many tailwaters and creeks.
- Pro Tips
- Excellent visibility from the bleached deer hair wing. The combination of hackle and deer hair provides reliable floatation.
From River & Run
Open River & RunWhere to fish it
Rivers anglers pair with this fly, with local shops that stock it.
River details and fly shops from River & Run, our sister site.
Entomology
Adult midges rest on the water surface after emergence or during egg-laying, sitting low in the film with their tiny wings held in a tent-like position. Despite their minute size, midges emerge in such massive numbers that fish feed on them exclusively during peak hatches.
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Chironomidae
- Common name
- Midge
- Organism
- insect
- Life stage
- adult
Pattern details
- Moving Water
- Rocky Mountain
- dead-drift
- midge-hatch
- low-clear-water
- tailwater
- freestone
- spring-creek