Description
Fly Type: This is a nymph/emerger fly designed to imitate a midge pupa, which is the stage of a midge's life cycle when it is transitioning from a larva to an adult and rising through the water column to hatch. These are often fished subsurface. The segmented body and small profile are key to its realism and specifically designed to imitate a midge (chironomid)
Best Suited For: Midge pupae are an extremely important food source, making this fly highly effective for trout (brown, rainbow, and brook trout) and grayling. It is particularly deadly when fish are feeding "subtly" or "porpoising," indicating they are taking emergers just below or in the surface film.
Best Time to Fish: Midges are a year-round food source, so this fly is effective at any time. It's particularly useful during the cooler months of spring, late autumn, and winter, or whenever a midge hatch is occurring. It can be fished successfully at any time of day.
Water Type: This is a freshwater fly.
Where to Fish: These flies excel on stillwaters, spring creeks, and slow-moving rivers. Fish them in deep pools, slow runs, and eddies where midge pupae are plentiful. They can be fished static under an indicator, or with a very slow, subtle retrieve to mimic the natural ascent of the pupa.
Other Value: Midge pupae are often the most abundant food source in many waters, especially during the colder months when other hatches are scarce. This pattern's small size often requires a fine tippet for a natural presentation, but it can be incredibly productive when fish are very selective. The red and black combination is a strong attractor and often triggers strikes even when the natural color is different.