How to Tie the Top Secret Midge
| Part | Material |
|---|---|
| Hook | Tiemco 2488 scud/pupa hook, #20-24 (sources range #18-26) |
| Thread | dark brown 8/0 (UNI 8/0 or Veevus 16/0) |
| Abdomen | dark brown tying thread |
| Rib | white thread (UNI 6/0 or 8/0), on a second bobbin |
| Wing | white Sparkle Organza or Glamour Madeira, folded and pinch-wrapped on top |
| Thorax | rusty/mahogany brown Superfine dubbing, a very small amount |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Start the thread
Secure the hook in the vise, start the dark brown thread behind the eye and take a few wraps rearward before trimming the tag.
- 2
Tie in the rib
Secure the end of the white rib thread to the top of the shank with a few turns of the brown thread, binding it back down the shank.
- 3
Body and rib
Wrap the brown thread forward to form a slim abdomen, then wrap the white thread forward in spaced turns over it and tie it off.
- 4
Wing
Fold a few white organza fibers around the thread and pinch-wrap them to the top of the shank with a few turns, then pull the ends underneath the wraps.
- 5
Thorax
Build a very short, slender dubbing noodle of brown Superfine and wrap a small football-shaped thorax.
- 6
Trim and finish
Whip finish, then trim the wing to about the same length as the thorax.
How to Fish the Top Secret Midge
The Top Secret Midge is most effective when fished in or just below the surface film during active midge emergence periods. Fish it as a dropper below a dry fly or under a small indicator in slow tailwater sections. Use 5X-6X tippet and present it with a dead drift, occasionally giving subtle twitches to mimic a struggling emerger. Most productive in sizes #20-24. This pattern excels on Colorado and Wyoming tailwaters during winter and early spring midge hatches. The short white wing marks the emerging adult, and the slim brown body matches many natural midge species, making it a go-to pattern when fish are being extremely selective.
