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

1. Slide a small bead onto a size 18–22 scud hook; mount hook and start black 10/0 thread.
2. Wind a smooth underbody of thread from behind the bead to the bend.
3. Wrap pearl, silver, or copper mylar tinsel thread forward in tight, flat, touching spirals to the bead.
4. Wind matching fine wire as ribbing over the mylar body.
5. Dub a tiny black Superfine thorax just behind the bead.
6. Build a small head, whip finish, and apply UV resin to the body for durability.
7. Apply a thin coat of UV resin over the body and cure; this locks in the mylar tinsel and adds a translucent glow.
8. Inspect the ribbing spirals — they should be evenly spaced and not overlap the tinsel body underneath.
9. Under bright light, verify the mylar tinsel segments are uniformly flat with no twisted or overlapping edges and the ribbing is evenly spaced.