The Knotted Midge

All the best flies are almost always simple affairs, the knotted Midge being no exception. All you need is some thread and a couple of hackles. One to carry with you no matter where you are fishing, still or running water.

This style of fly is called a “fore and aft,” a simple but accurate description. You can tie it in sizes ranging from 16 down to 30. I have demonstrated the classic black here, but you can tie it in a range of colours to suit.

All instructions assume right-handed tyers.

HOOK – Kamasan B410 #20
THREAD – Black Gudebrod 10/0
HACKLES – Black Cock

STEP 1

Attach the thread and wrap to the bend.

STEP 2

Tie in the first hackle as shown.

STEP 3

Wrap the hackle as shown and tie off.

STEP 4

Trim the waste hackle and continue wrapping the thread to the shoulder.

STEP 5

Tie in the head hackle.

STEP 6

Wrap the hackle and tie off.

STEP 7

Trim the wasted hackle, form a neat head and whipfinish.

The completed fly varnished and ready for fishing.

If you’re feeling a little more adventurous and have hackles small enough you can tie this one as small as you like. This one is on a Tiemco 100 #28.