Midge / EmergersMassacre Midge
The Massacre Midge is a simple yet deadly midge emerger pattern that combines a thread body with silver wire ribbing, a brown SLF dubbed thorax, and a small tan foam post for visibility. This sparse design rides low in the surface film, presenting a convincing midge emerger profile to selective trout. The foam post provides just enough buoyancy to keep the fly in the feeding zone while remaining visible to the angler.
Year Round
Beginner
Trout
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box demonstrates the effectiveness of simple, sparse midge patterns that don't try to overcomplicate the imitation. The Massacre Midge uses minimal materials to create a pattern that suggests the overall form of an emerging midge without excessive bulk that might alarm educated fish. The thread body creates a slim abdomen that mimics the natural's segmented appearance, while the silver wire ribbing adds subtle segmentation and flash. The SLF dubbing thorax provides a slightly buggy texture that breaks up the fly's silhouette, and the small foam post keeps the fly fishing properly in the film while providing a visible strike indicator.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 2488, #18-24
Thread: Magpie 72D, black
Rib: Wire (UTC), silver small
Thorax: SLF Dubbing (Whitlock's), brown
Post: Thin Fly Foam 2mm, tan
Fishing Tips
Season
Effective year-round as midges are present in most waters throughout the year. Particularly productive during late fall, winter, and early spring when midge activity peaks and trout focus heavily on these small insects.
Presentation
Fish with a dead drift in the surface film, focusing on slower water where trout sip emergers. The foam post keeps the fly riding at the proper level where trout expect to find struggling emergers.
When to Use
Select this pattern when fish are feeding on midge emergers in the surface film. Look for subtle sipping rises that indicate trout are taking emergers rather than adults. Effective when trout refuse higher-riding or more visible midge patterns.
Water Type
Effective in both moving water and stillwater. In rivers, target slow pools, eddies, and flat tailouts where midges concentrate. In lakes, fish along weed edges and in calmer areas where trout cruise for emerging insects.
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 pattern.
Visibility & Floatation
The tan foam post provides adequate visibility for the angler while the low-riding design keeps the fly in the surface film where it should be. Apply floatant sparingly to the post only, keeping the thorax and body in the film.
