Midges

 I always try to stay ahead of the game.  Tying hoppers and caddis in January and tying midges in July. I am not sure if that is planning ahead or just 6 months behind?

#26 Chocolate Foam Back Emerger

Pretty in Purple?

#22 Hot Shot Midge 

#22 Red Flux Capacitor

The Mercury Pheasant Tail Nymph

The Mercury PT Nymph has been in my box for a while now.  I tied some a few years ago and left them in there until one day I was looking for something a little different.  I didn't want to use the traditional gold bead head version so I picked one of these.  Ever since that day, I have made sure that I always give them a thought when I need a pattern with a a little flash, yet still represents the profile of the real insects.  The Mercury PT Nymph has been getting a lot of use recently on my classes and guide trips as it works great and is easy to tie and replace.  I had a client go through 8 of these recently and being easy to replace, I kept tying them on.   Make sure to give them a try.  I like to have them tied in size #18-22 in both natural and in red.  

Hook:  TMC 101 or Orvis Big Eye Hooks, #18-22

Bead:  X-Small Diamond Glass Bead

Thread:  Brown 8/0

Rib:  UTC Small Wire, copper or Copper Brown

Body:  Natural Pheasant Tail

Wing Case:  Pearl Tinsel.  I like to use Lagartun Mini-Flat Braid

Thorax:  Natural Peacock Fibers

Legs:  Natural Pheasant Tail Fibers from the Body