Thread Midge
Microscopic but mighty — the fly that matches the tiniest hatch.
The Thread Midge is the simplest larval midge imitation: a thread body with optional wire rib and a tiny bead. It imitates the slender, worm-like midge larvae that make up the bulk of a trout's winter diet on tailwaters and spring creeks. Tied in sizes #20-26, it tests both the tyer's skill and the angler's patience, but the results speak for themselves.
History & Lore
Thread midge patterns evolved from the practical necessity of imitating insects as small as 2-3mm long. Tailwater anglers on the South Platte, San Juan, and Bighorn rivers refined the design to its absolute essence: thread, wire, and a bead.
Variations
Disco Midge
Flashabou body under UV resin for sparkle.
WD-40
Slightly buggier version with a dubbed thorax.
Mercury Midge
Glass bead version for translucent effect.
How to Fish It
Fish the Thread Midge as a dropper behind a slightly larger fly in a two-nymph rig. On tailwaters, suspend it under a small dry fly or indicator, dead drifting through slow runs and eddies. Trout eat midges year-round, but this pattern is most valuable in winter.
When to Use
Year-round on tailwaters and spring creeks, with peak effectiveness in winter and early spring when midges are the dominant food source.
Materials
- Hook
- TMC 2488 or Tiemco 2488H, #18-26
- Bead
- Glass or micro tungsten, 1.0-1.5mm
- Thread
- Uni 10/0 or 12/0, black, red, olive, or cream
- Rib
- Ultra-fine wire, optional
Tying Video
Tying Steps
Slide a 1.5mm glass or tungsten bead onto a midge hook.
💡 Glass beads for shallow water, tungsten for deeper runs.
Start thread behind the bead and wrap a smooth, tapered body to the bend.
💡 Thread color is everything — match the naturals on your water.
Optionally tie in ultra-fine wire at the bend and counter-rib forward.
💡 The rib adds segmentation and durability.
Build up a slightly thicker thorax area behind the bead.
💡 Just 2-3 extra thread wraps for the thorax is sufficient.
Whip finish behind the bead. Optional: coat body with UV resin for durability.
💡 A thin resin coat mimics the translucent quality of real midge larvae.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size Thread Midge should I use?
The Thread Midge is most commonly tied in sizes 18–26. Year-round on tailwaters and spring creeks, with peak effectiveness in winter and early spring when midges are the dominant food source.
What does a Thread Midge imitate?
The Thread Midge primarily imitates midge larvae, Chironomid larvae. Fish the Thread Midge as a dropper behind a slightly larger fly in a two-nymph rig. On tailwaters, suspend it under a small dry fly or indicator, dead
What materials do I need to tie a Thread Midge?
Key materials include: Hook, Bead, Thread, Rib. Slide a micro bead onto the hook, wrap a smooth thread body, and optionally rib with fine wire. Mini
How do you fish a Thread Midge?
Fish the Thread Midge as a dropper behind a slightly larger fly in a two-nymph rig. On tailwaters, suspend it under a small dry fly or indicator, dead drifting through slow runs and eddies. Trout eat midges year-round, but this pattern is most valuable in winter.
Pattern Details
- Category
- Midges
- Sizes
- 18–26
- Colors
- Black, Red, Olive, Cream
- Weight
- Glass bead, Micro tungsten, None
- Hook Styles
- Scud/midge hook
- Imitates
- midge larvae, Chironomid larvae
- Water Types
- tailwater, spring creek, lake
- Origin
- Tailwater guides, various
Buy This Fly
Buy at Fly Fish Food—
catches logged by anglers
Target Species
Effective on These Rivers
Pattern Details
- Category
- Midges
- Sizes
- 18–26
- Colors
- Black, Red, Olive, Cream
- Weight
- Glass bead, Micro tungsten, None
- Hook Styles
- Scud/midge hook
- Imitates
- midge larvae, Chironomid larvae
- Water Types
- tailwater, spring creek, lake
- Origin
- Tailwater guides, various
Buy This Fly
Buy at Fly Fish Food—
catches logged by anglers