Overview
The WD-50 is a variation of the classic WD-40, tied with a slender thread base, a sparse tail of wood duck or mallard fibers, and a flash wingcase that adds just enough pop. The thorax is dubbed with soft natural material like muskrat or rabbit to create a subtle buggy effect. This pattern shines in tailwaters and technical situations where small, realistic profiles are key.
Related patterns
Behavior & presentation
- Natural Behavior
- Midge larvae undulate in S-shaped swimming motions through the water column and along bottom substrates in massive concentrations. During behavioral drift they release from bottom and tumble downstream, becoming easy targets.
- Where Trout Eat It
- Runs, tail-outs, and glides in 2-6 feet where trout can inspect food carefully.
- How to Fish It
- Dead drift near bottom or in the film with high-stick nymphing or indicator rigs for natural drift.
- Best Water
- Focus on tail-outs, runs, and slicks where smooth water allows selective feeding.
- Strike Type
- Strikes appear as subtle pauses in the drift or a gentle lift of the indicator, requiring immediate hook-set before the trout ejects the tiny midge imitation.
Fishing strategy
- Rigging Suggestions
- Use 6X-7X tippet for the most natural presentation. Fish solo or as a trailer 12-18 inches below a small dry fly or larger nymph. The slim profile requires minimal weight for proper depth.
- Seasonal Timing
- Most effective from April through October during midge emergences, with peak productivity in (April-May) and (September-October) when midge activity is highest. Remains productive year-round in tailwaters.
- Pro Tips
- The silver ribbing enhances visibility and imitates the gas bubble trapped in emerging midge pupae. Match body color to local midge species—black, olive, red, or cream are most common.
Where to fish it
Rivers anglers pair with this fly, with local shops that stock it.
River details and fly shops from River & Run, our sister site.
Entomology
Midge larvae undulate in an S-shaped swimming motion through the water column and along bottom substrates, often in massive concentrations that carpet lake floors and river beds. These tiny insects (size 18-26) exhibit behavioral drift patterns where they release from the bottom and tumble downstream, becoming easy targets in the current. Their year-round availability and sheer abundance make them a staple food source, particularly in winter when other insects are dormant.
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Chironomidae
- Common name
- Midge
- Organism
- insect
- Life stage
- general
Pattern details
- Moving Water
- Rocky Mountain
- dead-drift
- indicator-nymph
- baetis-hatch
- midge-hatch
- classic
- beginner-friendly
- low-clear-water
- tailwater
