Midge
Also called Chironomid, Midge fly
A midge is a small two-winged fly; in fly fishing it often means a chironomid. Most of their larvae and pupae live in water. Midges hatch in every month on many rivers and lakes, and trout eat them year-round.
- Group
- Aquatic insects
- Category
- Entomology & forage
- Level
- Beginner
- Water
- Freshwater
Last updated
What Midge means
Midges are tiny insects in several families of small flies; in fly fishing, it often means chironomids. They start life as wormlike larvae in the bottom, then rise as pupae, then emerge as small winged adults.
In fly fishing, “midge” usually means the food size more than the exact species. Many midge imitations are small larvae and pupae (often called “midge nymphs” by anglers) drifted near the bottom, or emergers and adults presented in the film during a hatch.
Common midge patterns include the Zebra Midge and other slim, dark larva and pupa shapes. Hook sizes are often very small compared to mayflies and caddisflies.
Why it matters on the water
Midges fill the gaps. When there is no obvious hatch, especially in winter or on tailwaters, a midge larva or pupa drifted cleanly is often the most consistent way to get steady eats.
Their size changes how you rig. Light tippet, small knots, and good drift control matter more, and a little drag or a little extra weight can move a tiny fly out of the feeding lane.
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Read next
- NymphA nymph is a subsurface fly meant to imitate an aquatic insect in its immature stage, or a small food item drifting in the current. Nymphs are fished with or without weight, an indicator, or tight-line methods.
- PupaA pupa is the in-between life stage where some aquatic insects transform from larva to adult. In trout fishing, “pupa” usually points to caddisflies and midges as they rise toward the surface to emerge.
- TailwaterA tailwater is a river reach below a dam where flows and temperatures are controlled by reservoir releases.
- Zebra MidgeA Zebra Midge is a small, slim midge-larva or pupa imitation, usually tied with a ribbed body and a bead. It’s a common choice for trout feeding on tiny insects.
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