Midge / EmergersPoly Wing Midge
The Poly Wing Midge is a quick and effective hatching midge pattern that imitates adult midges emerging from the surface film. The stripped peacock quill body provides realistic segmentation while the poly yarn wing offers excellent visibility and floatation. A versatile pattern that can be adapted to match any midge hatch by changing color and size.
Year Round
Beginner
Trout
Overview
This pattern from Barry Ord Clarke represents an emerging midge trapped in the surface film. The stripped peacock quill creates a segmented body that mimics the natural's abdomen, while the UV resin coating adds durability and a subtle sheen. The grizzle hackle provides support on the water while the poly yarn wing makes the fly easy to track in varied light conditions. Adjust hook size and body color to match local midge populations.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Mustad C49S, size #12–#18
Thread: Sheer 14/0, black
Body: Stripped peacock quill, coated with UV resin
Thorax: Peacock herl
Hackle: Grizzle saddle
Wing: Poly yarn, white or gray
Fishing Tips
Season
Effective year-round as midges hatch in all seasons. Particularly productive during winter and early spring when midges are often the only insects active.
Presentation
Fish in the surface film with a dead drift. Allow the fly to sit motionless in slow water or drift naturally through riffles. A gentle twitch can trigger strikes from hesitant fish.
When to Use
Most effective during midge hatches, typically in early morning or late evening. Look for fish rising with subtle sipping rises that indicate midge feeding. Also productive during overcast days when midges remain active longer.
Water Type
Excels in tailwaters, spring creeks, and stillwater where midge populations thrive. Look for slow-moving water, back eddies, and lake margins where emerging midges concentrate.
Rigging Suggestions
Use 12-foot leaders tapered to 5X–7X tippet for wary fish. Fish as a single dry or trail behind a larger dry fly as a dropper. Apply floatant sparingly to the wing only.
Visibility & Floatation
Rides in the surface film with body partially submerged—exactly like a natural emerger. The white poly wing provides excellent visibility to the angler while the sparse hackle keeps the fly positioned correctly.
