Midge / EmergersStuck In The Shuck Midge
Stuck In The Shuck Midge is a highly effective emerger pattern that imitates a midge trapped in its pupal shuck during the vulnerable emergence phase. This pattern features an amber darlon trailing shuck, a slender thread abdomen, a white macrame yarn or fluorofiber shellback that suggests developing wings, a sparse grizzly hackle wrapped horizontally, and a peacock herl thorax that adds iridescence and bulk. The design captures the helpless posture of midges struggling to escape their shucks.
Year Round
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box addresses one of the most critical moments in a midge's life cycle - when it becomes trapped in its pupal shuck during emergence. This vulnerable stage represents easy pickings for trout, who often key on these struggling insects. The amber darlon shuck creates the translucent appearance of the discarded pupal case trailing behind. The white shellback suggests the emerging wings while providing visibility for the angler. The grizzly hackle is wrapped horizontally and kept sparse to suggest legs and help the fly sit properly in the film. The peacock herl thorax adds the buggy, iridescent quality that makes this pattern so effective. The thread body is intentionally kept slim to maintain the delicate profile of natural midges.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 101, #16-24
Thread: UNI 8/0, black
Shuck: Darlon, amber
Shellback: Polypropylene Macrame Yarn or Fluorofiber, white
Abdomen: UNI 8/0, black (thread body)
Hackle: Rooster Neck, grizzly
Thorax: Peacock Eye Herl
Fishing Tips
Season
Effective year-round wherever midges are present. Particularly productive during winter and early spring midge emergences when trout become highly selective to these tiny insects.
Presentation
Fish dead drift in the surface film with a drag-free presentation. The fly should sit with the shuck trailing in the water and the thorax and hackle on or just in the surface. Target subtle rise forms that indicate midge feeding.
When to Use
Select this pattern when trout are rising to midges but refusing standard dry flies and emerger patterns. The stuck-in-shuck profile is particularly effective when fish have seen everything and become ultra-selective.
Water Type
Versatile pattern for both moving water and stillwater. Excels on tailwaters, spring creeks, and lakes where midge populations are abundant. Works well in slower currents, eddies, and foam lines where emergers concentrate.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 12-15 foot leader tapering to 6X-7X fluorocarbon tippet. The white shellback provides visibility but tracking this small fly can be challenging - consider positioning it near a more visible indicator fly or using it as a dropper.
Visibility & Floatation
The white shellback/wing provides visibility for the angler while the hackle and thread construction help the fly sit properly in the film. Apply minimal floatant to the hackle only - keep the shuck and body untreated to sink into the film naturally.
