Midge / EmergersShot Glass Trico
A sleek, impressionistic trico spinner featuring a signature glass bead, UV resin wingcase, and a sparse, low-profile silhouette, this fly is ideal for fooling selective trout during technical morning trico hatches.
Summer, Fall
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
A variation in Shea Gunkel's versatile Shotglass series, the Shotglass Trico adapts the proven slim-bodied, tungsten-bead profile to imitate emerging Tricos. It uses a black or dark brown thread base, fine synthetic tails (like microfibbets), and a prominent glass or tungsten bead up front for weight and flash. The pattern stays consistent—just swap thread and bead colors to match different hatches. It's fast to tie, durable, and effective during Trico spinner falls when fish key in on smaller emergers.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Umpqua JB01 or Daiichi 1140 #16-20
Bead: X-Small Silver Lined Glass Bead
Thread: Black 8/0 or 12/0
Tail: 2 Strands White Sparkle Organza, Split
Abdomen: Thread
Rib: X-Small Silver Wire
Legs: 1 Strand MFC Midge Body Thread, Black Doubled Over
Wingcase: Medium Black Holographic Tinsel
UV Resin: Loon Thin UV Resin
Fishing Tips
Season
Summer, Fall
Presentation
Dead drift near the surface film during spinner falls
When to Use
Fish during early to mid-morning trico spinner falls when trout are selectively sipping
Water Type
Moving Water, Stillwater
Rigging Suggestions
Fish solo on a long leader or as a dropper behind a small dry fly for visibility
Visibility & Floatation
Rides just below or in the film; low visual footprint with subtle shimmer from the bead and resin; bead adds mild weight, allowing it to sink slowly and stay in the strike zone
