An extended micro-chenille abdomen, peacock thorax and gray Antron cover suggest a midge in the surface film.
Bret Smith’s Palomino Midge uses a short curved hook under an extended, tapered chenille abdomen. A small peacock thorax and gray Antron cover suggest a midge emerging near the film.
Work through the numbered steps in order, using the materials list and written proportions as your guide.
01
Start the thread base
Secure the curved hook and start black thread behind the eye. Carry the thread to the rear tie-in point near the hook point, leaving the front available for the thorax.
Bench note Avoid crowding the small hook with extra thread.
02
Anchor the extended abdomen
Taper one end of black micro chenille with controlled heat away from the hook. Tie its other end at the rear so the tapered section projects beyond the bend about one hook length.
Bench note Keep the hot tool away from the tying thread and finished fibers.
03
Tie in the Antron
Secure a narrow gray-dun Antron bundle on top near the front of the abdomen, leaving enough length to draw over the thorax and project slightly past the eye.
Bench note A small bundle makes a more proportionate midge wing.
04
Build the peacock thorax
Tie in one peacock-herl strand and wind a small thorax immediately behind the eye. Secure the herl, then lightly trim its upper fibers so the Antron will lie smoothly over the top.
Bench note Keep the thorax compact so the extended body remains the dominant shape.
05
Cover and finish
Draw the Antron forward over the peacock, secure it just behind the eye, and leave a short projecting tuft. Add a few supporting thread turns, whip finish and clear the eye.
Bench note The Antron should sit over the thorax rather than hide the extended abdomen.
Beyond the bench
On the water.
Present it around the surface film when trout are taking small emerging midges. Adjust the drift to the visible feeding lane; this dressing has no bead or heavy underbody.