Midge / EmergersScotty's Midge
Scotty's Midge is a high-visibility midge emerger pattern featuring a distinctive red Zelon shuck and sparkle dun deer hair wing. The contrasting colors create an attractive pattern that fish find irresistible while allowing the angler to track the fly in challenging conditions. The black Zelon dubbing thorax completes the midge profile.
Year Round
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
Scotty's Midge was developed at Blue Ribbon Flies as a visible alternative to standard midge patterns. The coachman red shuck creates a subtle hot spot that can trigger strikes from hesitant fish while helping the angler locate the fly. The sparkle dun deer hair wing provides both floatation and visibility for the angler.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 2488 or Umpqua U201, #18-22
Thread: Uni-Thread, 8/0, rusty dun
Shuck: Crinkled Zelon, coachman red
Thorax: Zelon Dubbing, midge black
Wing: Sparkle Dun Deer Hair, natural
Fishing Tips
Season
Effective year-round during midge activity. Particularly productive during winter and spring when midges dominate and fish become selective to size and profile.
Presentation
Dead drift in the surface film. The red shuck adds attraction without alarming fish. Focus on feeding lanes and current seams where midge emergers collect.
When to Use
Best during midge hatches when you need a visible pattern to track. The red shuck can act as an attractor element when standard midge patterns are refused.
Water Type
Ideal for tailwaters, spring creeks, and slow-moving freestone sections. Also effective on stillwater during calm conditions when fish are sipping midges.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on 12-15 foot leader with 6X-7X tippet. Can be fished alone or as an indicator fly for smaller midge droppers. The deer hair wing provides good floatation.
Visibility & Floatation
Excellent visibility from the sparkle dun deer hair wing. Better tracking than standard midge patterns while maintaining effectiveness. Floats well with periodic drying.
