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April Activities Meeting – Joe Sprys Featured Tyer
April 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Join us for activities night! After the brief meeting, casting will be available (with or without instruction) in the Casting Training & Education Center in the gym, Ken Harfoot will be leading beginning tying, and Joe Sprys will be our Featured Tyer on Zoom.
Tying Some Smaller Midges and Nymphs
I have spent a fair amount of time fishing in the western US. Over time, I discovered that there were many patterns that were used extensively on western streams that we didn’t see very often here in the Midwest. It always seemed odd to me that, since many of the flies and hatches that existed out west were the same as we saw here in Michigan, why not give these patterns a try here at home as well? I have found them to be just as effective here . . .
I’m a “minimalist” fly tier! The fewer the steps or materials, the better I like the fly. We’ll tie a few of my favorite midge and nymph patterns. I typically tie these various patterns in sizes 18 – 26, but I promise we’ll stay with the bigger sizes for the demo. These flies are all quick and easy to tie – and VERY effective.
WD-40 – a pattern that was originated in the early 80’s by Colorado guide Mark Engler, a long-time guide from the Durango area. It’s a nymph and pupae pattern that works extremely well.
Hook: TMC 2488 nymph hook
Thread: Brown 6/0 Uni
Tail: Wood duck fibers
Wing Case: Wood duck fibers
Thorax: dark gray muskrat dubbing
(Tie these in Brown, Olive, Wine, Black)
Zebra Midge – a pattern that was originated by Ted Wellings on the Colorado River in the mid-90’s.
Hook: TMC 2488 nymph hook
Thread: Black 6/0 Uni
Bead: Gold/Brass appropriate to hook size
Rib: Gold wire
(Tie these in Black, Red, White)
Top Secret Midge – a Pat Dorsey-originated pattern, a great emerger pattern
Hook: TMC 2488
Thread: Dark Brown 6/0 or 8/0 Uni
Rib: White 6/0 Uni thread
Thorax: Fine dry fly dubbing in Dark Brown/Mahogany
Wing Bud: Glamour Madeira Pearl White
(Tie these in Brown, Olive, Black, Cream)
Bling Midge – a fly that represents midge larva, believed to have originated from Andy Kim’s “Yong Special”, enjoyed a huge following on the San Juan River at it’s inception
Hook: TMC 2488
Thread: White 6/0 or 8/0 Uni (body)
Black 6/0 or 8/0 Uni (head)
Thorax: Holo tinsel
(Tie these in White, Cream, Brown)
If we get through these, I always have a few other patterns to discuss and try! Bring your vise, tying tools, and thread in black, white, dark brown, and red (any or all of these colors) in 6/0 or 8/0. I’ll provide any other materials you’ll need for these patterns.