How to tie: The Demon Midge

Fly Tying

Dec 24

Today, the boy at From: AvidMax are going to tie the Demon Midge, a fantastic winter tailwater pattern created by Matt McKenna. This little fly is quick to tie, offers a bit of flash, and works wonders for midge larva patterns, especially in smaller sizes. Whether you're hitting the tailwaters or chasing winter trout, this fly is sure to impress.

Materials:

Hook: TMC 1273 Size 18, Red, 3X Long
Thread: UTC 140 Black for the body, UTC 70 Red for the rib
Flash: Magnum Holographic Red Flashabou
Resin: UV Resin (Loon Clear Fly Finish or similar)
UV Light: UV Torch or similar for curing

Steps:

Start the Black Thread:
- Begin by tying in the black thread on the hook shank, starting just behind the eye and wrapping down past the barb. Snip out the tag end.
Add the Red Thread:
- Start the red 70 denier thread just ahead of the black thread. Wrap it flat along the hook shank, covering the black thread and creating a smooth, tapered body.
Rib the Body:
- With the black thread, create evenly spaced segmented wraps to form the rib. Keep the thread a little bound up for nice, even segments.
Add the Flashabou:
- Tie in a piece of Magnum Holographic Red Flashabou at an angle. Make wraps around the body, creating a collar. Secure the Flashabou in place and trim any excess.
Finish with a Thread Head:
- Build a small thread head using the black thread to secure the Flashabou. Complete with a whip finish and snip the thread.
Apply UV Resin:
- Coat the body with a small amount of UV resin (Clear Fly Finish or similar) to bind everything together and give it a little extra sparkle. Use a bodkin to even it out.
Cure the Resin:
- Cure the UV resin with your UV light until it hardens.