Disco Midge
The Disco Midge uses a mylar or brassie body to create maximum flash and flash-trigger midge-feeding trout. Its disco ball appearance is especially effective under low light and on overcast days. Fish it just below the surface on a dry-dropper or just above the bottom on an indicator rig. A staple on the South Platte, Arkansas, and Colorado's Blue River in all seasons.
- Type
- nymph (Midge)
- Hook sizes
- #18–22
- Target species
- trout
- Difficulty
- beginner
- Best seasons
- spring, summer, fall, winter
Materials
- hook: Scud hook #18–22
- thread: Black 10/0
- body: Pearl, silver, or copper mylar tinsel thread
- ribbing: Fine wire to match
- thorax: Black Superfine or tying thread
- bead: Small silver or black bead (optional)
Tying steps
- Slide a small bead onto a size 18–22 scud hook; mount hook and start black 10/0 thread.
- Wind a smooth underbody of thread from behind the bead to the bend.
- Wrap pearl, silver, or copper mylar tinsel thread forward in tight, flat, touching spirals to the bead.
- Wind matching fine wire as ribbing over the mylar body.
- Dub a tiny black Superfine thorax just behind the bead.
- Build a small head, whip finish, and apply UV resin to the body for durability.
- Apply a thin coat of UV resin over the body and cure; this locks in the mylar tinsel and adds a translucent glow.
- Inspect the ribbing spirals — they should be evenly spaced and not overlap the tinsel body underneath.
- Under bright light, verify the mylar tinsel segments are uniformly flat with no twisted or overlapping edges and the ribbing is evenly spaced.