JAB's Frostbite Midge

I know first hand there are plenty of hardcore anglers that fish our year-around lakes, and many are thinking isn't it a little too late to post midge patterns, but with the lowland lake season opener fast approaching I felt this would be a good time to introduce a few midge patterns to the blog.  Just like the old saying, "There's never a bad time to fish a midge," I guess there never a bad time to post a pattern...  especially if a beginner is reading and learning to tie.  With that out of the way, I'll concentrate on tying some midge patterns over the course of the month.

  

The Frostbite Midge has been my staple for many years.  Tied in the more earthy colors wound over silver tinsel this midge pattern is deadly.  In fact, I wouldn't hesitate to fish tie and fish pink, purple, blue, or chartreuse either. 

For those tiers wondering about patterns for the streams, you can simply scale these patterns to smaller hooks and expect the same results. 

Materials:

Hook:  Daiichi 1260 Size 8-16 (Pictured is sie 14) and 5/32 white brass bead
Thread: 8/0 red or black
Rib: 6/0 white thread
Underbody: Silver Flashabou
Body: Bright red Frostbite
Thorax: 70/30 mixture of red and black Halo dubbing (very fine Antron)

Step 1:

Secure hook in vise.  Start thread immediately behind the bead and build a hump.  Push hump inside the bead.



Step 2:

Tie in silver Flashabou and white 6/0 thread.

Step 3:

Wrap Flashabou back past the barb and return.  The Flashabou will provide a brilliant glow through the transparent Frostbite.

Step 4:

Tie in Frostbite.  Wind back to the end of the silver Flashabou and return to thorax area.

Step 5:

Wrap ribbing forward.




Step 6:

Coat the body with Sally Hansen Hard as Nail polish, epoxy, or Clear Cure Goo.

Step 7:

Dub small thorax.  Whip finish.  Completed!

Midges are simple, fun to tie, and you can complete a lot of them in a short period of time.  Fill up those boxes with various sizes and colors: black, red, brown, olive, cream, and tan. 

If you bring a little patience to the lake you will certainly be rewarding!

Enjoy!