Well, Midge Mania continues at the fly-tying desk.
I follow Forrest Dorsey on Insta, and he at times posts about his favorite flies.
I’ve long had good luck with peacock herl on my nymphs, and so, his Manhattan Midge really caught my eye. And, I’m a sucker for experimenting with midges.
So, I’ve tied a few for my next Deerfield outing.
Here is the materials list, complete with links:
- Hook: Tiemco 2488, size 20 or 22 (this style hook has a 3x gape)
- Thread: UTC, 70 denier, black
- Ribbing: UTC Ultra wire, silver, extra small
- Bead: Glass, clear or silver, extra small
- Wing: Zelon, white (for small flies, I much prefer Zelon over Antron, as the fibers are narrower, softer and more translucent. I doubt the trout care, but, I do.)
- Thorax: Peacock herl
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Looks nice. How do you fishem?
I’ll probably do the usual nymphing: both tightline and with an indicator, depending on the water depth and how far of a reach I need to do.
Not sure how much midge activity there will be, and so, I’ll start with midge larvae and then move to emerger-style flies like this one if I’m sensing bugs are on the move.
I’ll pair it with the usual anchor flies to get a fish’s attention: various Stoneflies, the Red Dart, Rainbow Warrior, Mops, etc.
Honestly, it will be probably more trial and error. I know this sounds weird, but, I wait and see what the river tells me.
During the warmer months, I love this kind of fly as part of a dry-dropper. I usually start with dries only, and, if they’re not taking things up top, I like to add a dropper fly with some weight, but not so much so that it creates a big and loud splash.
The shallow and quiet areas of the Swift would be ideal with this kind of fly for sight nymphing. No indicator. Just one fly. Stealthy approach and casting from below. Might have to grease part of the leader. Target one fish. Watch for it to turn its head. Some of my most rewarding and nerve-wracking outings at the Swift have been with this style of fishing.
I fished the Exeter River today. I had one hit on a black zebra and lost the fish and fly. I tried stonefly, egg, mop fly, red midge and pheasant tail and nothing!
I’d imagine the water is pretty cold still; yet, so awesome you got out!