5 Expert Tips for Tying Midges That Catch More Fish

With: tysbff

We caught up with Tyler, a fly fishing guide and fly designer, to chat about his journey from fishing with his dad as a kid to making a career out of guiding and tying flies that fool the pickiest trout. Tyler’s been in the game for over 20 years, crafting killer patterns like The Wader Midge and The Anneworm, and now he’s setting his sights on YouTube to teach even more anglers. Whether you’re looking for tips on tying midges or just want to know how a fly fishing obsession turns into a full-time gig, Tyler’s got some wisdom to share.

Tyler, what first sparked your interest in fly fishing, and how did that passion evolve into becoming a professional guide?

I began fishing with my father at a very young age, around the age of 3 I was taken out on my first DIY fly fishing trip. That quickly lead me to many more occasions to Fish all over the world with my dad. As I grew up the rivers and lakes became an obsession of mine. I would try to get back out any chance I could. I would invite anyone that wanted to go and teach them how to catch a fish. The list of people I began to take kept growing. Everyone from my teachers to classmates wanted to com with me. I soon realized my passion for teaching people how to tie flies and fish them was just as strong as my will to just fish. When I turned 21 I was given an opportunity to take my first guide trip. 23 years later I’m still taking trips and sharing my love for fly fishing and the great outdoors.

As a fly designer, can you share the inspiration behind some of your favorite fly patterns, and what makes them stand out on the water?

When I first started guiding I primarily started on tail waters. In fact, some of my first fly patterns were designed to fit these picky tailwater trout.For example The Wader Midge , The Foamie Homie and The Anneworm were some of the first flies I released with Fullingmill that proved successful on these waters. 

The Foamie Homie is another small midge that stands out a little differently. With the combination of foam and a small bar of flash, this midge looks almost like it was exploding open in the front. This does a really great job of imitating an early morning midge hatching.

The Anneworm is a great little fly designed to replicate annelids and small red worms found throughout the tail waters of the Rocky Mountains. I use a brite red Glo Bite thread to maintain a thin profile ,and clear UV to help add some durability to the fly.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting out in fly fishing, especially when it comes to learning to read the water?

If I had to offer one piece of advice it would be to be observant. Don’t rely on on fishing reports or other people to tell you what’s working. Go dig around the rocks and moss and go figure it out for yourself. Not only will you find what the fish are eating but you’ll find several options on what they are eating as well.

You’re known for your expertise in tying midges. Can you walk us through your top five tips for tying midges that really catch fish?

When it comes to small flies and midges there’s a lot of variations and colors. Sometimes it can be overwhelming to match the hatch or find the exact color or profile combinations. Here my top 5 tips to designing a great midge pattern.

* Take a picture of the bug you’re trying to replicate. ( looking at the real bug while you’re tying will help you match color, size and profile.) 

* Match the colors as close as you can. ( Midges are rarely one solid color so matching the color changes is a key component.)

* Look for key traits that stand out. ( some midges have an iridescence to them so adding a little flash can help it stand out in the water.)

* Size matters! ( choosing the correct size to replicate is very important. Utilizing the picture of the insect can really help with this.)

* Hook shape and style. ( Depending on the hook shape and style the sizes can be a little different. Matching the correct shaped hook with the pattern you’re creating could make the difference between a good fly and a great fly.)

What’s next for you, Tyler? Are there any exciting projects or new directions you're looking to take in the world of fly fishing?

What’s next for me? I will be guiding and designing flies as long as I can.  Even though I do love my one on one time guiding I want to be able to reach and teach more.My next endeavor is to start a YouTube channel. I have partnered with a friend to film and do so.  I plan on sharing everything from personal experiences to trips rigging and fly tying videos. We want to be able to share our journeys and trips with anyone that wants to follow along.

Fly Designer: FullingMill 

Instagram: @Tysbff

YouTube: @RnDFlyFishing

Guide: Anglers Covey, The Broadmoor, Arbor Anglers