Midge / EmergersMatthew's Zelon Midge

Matthew's Zelon Midge is a straightforward and highly effective pattern. The Zelon shuck and wing imitate an emerging midge breaking through the surface.

Season
Year Round
Difficulty
Beginner
Target Species
Trout
Matthew's Zelon Midge - Image source: Orvis
Image source: Orvis

Overview

This simple emerger uses superfine dubbing for the body and a Zelon trailing shuck and wing to imitate a midge caught in the surface film. It's a great pattern for flat water when trout are sipping midges subtly.

Pattern Characteristics

Beginner Difficulty
Trout
Stillwater
Moving Water
Year Round
Imitates: Midges

Materials

Hook: Emerger hook (e.g. Dai-Riki 125), sizes 18-24
Thread: 6/0 or 140 Denier, olive
Shuck: Midge Gray Straight Z-lon
Wing: Midge Gray Straight Z-lon
Thorax: Australian possum, black
Head: 12/0 tying thread, tan

Fishing Tips

Season

Year Round

Presentation

Dead drift in or just below the surface film.

When to Use

Anytime midges are active, especially in calm water or during hatches.

Water Type

Stillwater and moving water.

Rigging Suggestions

Fish as a dropper off a dry or in tandem with another emerger.

Visibility & Floatation

Rides in the film; Zelon wing and shuck aid in subtle visibility without spooking fish.