Olsen's CDC Midge
Devin Olsen's long-leader CDC midge for the pickiest tailwater risers.
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Olsen's CDC Midge
Tying Video
About This Pattern
A black Crystal Flash–bodied midge with CDC wing, pink CDC hot spot, and grizzly hackle. A specialist pattern for long-leader tailwater work.
On the Water
How to Fish It
Fish it on a 20'+ dry-fly leader. Presentation matters more than tippet size.
When to Use
Tailwater midge hatches. Long smooth glides with spotty risers.
History & Lore
A few years ago Gilbert Rowley watched Devin Olsen catch trout on one of the most pressured tailwaters in the West — fish that leave most anglers scratching their heads. Long smooth glides, no broken water, easy to spot from the hiking trail and fished to non-stop. Devin was casting a dry-fly leader over 20' long with nearly flawless presentation, but when Rowley asked what fly, Devin showed him this CDC midge. Rowley has fished it on technical waters since and says it continues to produce — when it wasn't included in Devin's own section of the book, Rowley added it to his.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size Olsen's CDC Midge should I use?
The Olsen's CDC Midge is most commonly tied in sizes 18–20. Tailwater midge hatches. Long smooth glides with spotty risers.
What does a Olsen's CDC Midge imitate?
The Olsen's CDC Midge primarily imitates midge adult, chironomid. Fish it on a 20'+ dry-fly leader. Presentation matters more than tippet size.
How do you fish a Olsen's CDC Midge?
Fish it on a 20'+ dry-fly leader. Presentation matters more than tippet size.
Pattern Details
- Category
- Dry Flies
- Sizes
- 18–20
- Hook Styles
- dry
- Imitates
- midge adult, chironomid
- Water Types
- tailwater
- Origin
- Devin Olsen (presented by Gilbert Rowley in this book)
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catches logged by anglers
Pattern Details
- Category
- Dry Flies
- Sizes
- 18–20
- Hook Styles
- dry
- Imitates
- midge adult, chironomid
- Water Types
- tailwater
- Origin
- Devin Olsen (presented by Gilbert Rowley in this book)