Midge / EmergersSmoky Emerger
Hans Weilenmann's Smoky Emerger spins smoky grey mink into a loop of opal Krystal Flash to build a sparkling, translucent rib, then finishes with dark grey rabbit thoraxes split by a snowshoe hare wing and a mottled Brahma hen collar. The dubbing-loop rib gives midge pupae the glassy, segmented look trout key on during a hatch.
Spring, Summer, Fall
Intermediate
Trout
Feb 2026
Overview
The rib is formed by doubling opal Krystal Flash into a loop and twisting smoky grey mink fur inside it, trapping the fur between strands of flash for a segmented, glinting body a straight dubbing rope can't match. Dark grey rabbit fur fills the thorax in two sections front and back, with a tuft of natural snowshoe hare wing between them and a mottled Brahma hen collar for movement. Hans Weilenmann built it to imitate midge pupae hanging in or just under the surface film during an emergence. Fished dead-drift on a light tippet, the twisted rib flashes with the same glint naturals show as they struggle free of their pupal shucks.
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Materials
- Hook:
- Grip 14723BL #14
- Thread:
- Benecchi 12/0, grey
- Collar:
- Whiting Brahma hen barbs, mottled
- Rib:
- Krystal Flash, opal - doubled to form a loop - smoky grey mink inserted, twisted
- Rear thorax:
- Rabbit, dark grey
- Wing:
- Snowshoe hare, natural
- Front thorax:
- Rabbit, dark grey
Behavior & Presentation
Natural Behavior: Pupae swim upward through the water column in labored movements, struggling to break surface tension for transformation. Anglers target ascending stages because this vulnerable journey and subsequent emergence struggle provide concentrated meals for selective feeders.
Where Trout Eat It: Fish intercept ascending pupae throughout the water column and in the surface film across freestone streams, tailwaters, and calm lake water.
How to Fish It: Dead drift at varied depths adjusting for feeding zone. The emerging profile works from mid-column to film as pupae make their vulnerable ascent.
Best Water: Target tail-outs, flats, slicks, foam lines, eddies, and slow pools where midges emerge and fish feed selectively on suspended pupae.
Strike Type: Look for subtle sips in the film where indicators barely move. Takes are often soft and require focused attention.
Fishing Strategy
Rigging Suggestions: Fish on 9-12 foot leader with 4X-5X tippet. Add weight as needed to achieve proper depth. Can be fished under an indicator or with a tight-line technique.
Seasonal Timing: Effective during peak feeding periods when water temperatures and conditions support active feeding behavior.
Pro Tips: Sinks at a moderate rate depending on hook weight. The natural materials blend well with the aquatic environment.
Entomology
Midge pupae ascend through the water column in a slow, labored swim toward the surface where they must break through surface tension to transform into adults. During this vulnerable ascent and the subsequent struggle to emerge, fish intercept them as easy, concentrated meals.
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Chironomidae
- Common Name
- Midge
- Organism Type
- insect
- Life Stage
- general
