Overview

Designed by Umpqua signature tyer John Barr, the Pure Midge is a simple, proven midge larva pattern tied with just two materials. As Umpqua puts it, it is simple and effective, tried and true.

Midges hatch every month of the year on most tailwaters and many freestones, and their slim larvae and pupae make up a huge share of a trout's diet. A sparse, slim fly matches them better than anything bulky. Barr offers it in black and a bright red that is easy to see, and it fishes year-round below a larger nymph or under a dry.

How to Fish It

• Below a larger nymph: trail it 12 to 18 inches behind a heavier fly under an indicator.
• Under a dry: hang it a foot or so below a small dry when trout are eating midges just under the surface.
• Winter: midges are often the main hatch in cold months, so keep it in the rotation on tailwaters all winter.
• Tippet: 6X or 7X fluorocarbon.

Choosing Color and Size

Red matches red midge larvae and is a strong trigger color on tailwaters. Black is the natural, everyday choice for dark midges.

Size 18 is a good starting point. Go to 20 or 22 in clear, slow water and for highly pressured fish.