Pearl flash wrapped over a black thread body gives this tiny, wingless midge its bright profile.
A narrow strip of pearl flash covers a tapered thread foundation, and a slightly fuller thread thorax finishes this wingless midge. This version keeps the materials sparse enough for a size-22 hook.
Work through the numbered steps in order, using the materials list and written proportions as your guide.
01
Anchor the flash
Start black thread just behind the eye. Place one narrow pearl Flashabou strip on top of the shank and secure its end with several firm wraps.
Bench note Leave a short clear area behind the eye for the final thorax.
02
Shape the thread base
Wrap the thread back over the flash strip to just before the bend, then return toward the eye in close turns to form a slender, slightly tapered foundation.
Bench note Keep the underbody smooth so the flash lies flat.
03
Cover the abdomen
Wind the pearl strip forward over the black foundation in close turns. Stop before the eye, secure the strip with thread, and trim the unused end.
Bench note The flash should cover most of the black abdomen without bulky overlaps.
04
Build the dark thorax
Make a short, slightly raised thorax using only black thread immediately behind the eye. Keep it distinct from the slimmer reflective abdomen.
Bench note A small shoulder is enough on a size-22 fly.
05
Finish and seal
Whip finish behind the eye and trim the thread. Spread a very thin coat of clear glue over the body without filling the eye or obscuring its shape.
Bench note Use a bodkin to keep the coating light and away from the hook eye.
Beyond the bench
On the water.
Fish it below the surface at the depth where trout are feeding on small midges. It has no bead, so use the rig rather than the fly to control depth in faster current.
