Skittering Zelon Fly Midge

Overview

Designed by Umpqua signature tyer Craig Mathews, the Skittering Zelon Midge imitates an adult midge that is crippled or struggling to free itself from its pupal shuck on the surface. Big trout often key on these helpless, skittering midges because they are easy meals.

Fishing a dry instead of a pupa pattern makes the game easier: you can see the fly and the take, and Umpqua notes that trout eat it with confidence. Midges hatch every month of the year on most trout water, so a visible adult midge belongs in every box, especially for tailwaters, spring creeks and winter dry fly days.

How to Fish It

• Dead drift: present it to rising fish on 6X or 7X tippet with a drag-free drift.
• Small skitter: a tiny twitch can imitate an adult struggling out of its shuck.
• Pair it: trail a midge pupa 12 inches behind it when fish are eating just below the film.
• When: calm afternoons in winter and early spring, and anytime you see midges and small, sipping rises.

Choosing Color and Size

This listing is size 20, a common adult midge size on tailwaters and spring creeks.