Tora Midge - #26 of 150

Here is one of my secret patterns and it is time to let the cat out of the bag  Maybe I should say... tiger instead.

"Tora" translates to "tiger" in Japanese and the stripped peacock herl dyed in various colors lends itself well to mimicing the stripes of a tiger.

Pictured below is my ginger version.  The body presents a well segmented look, transparent tan shuck and a breathable wing to the fish   I generally fish the Tora as my top dropper in a 3-fly rig.  If I am positive fish are keying in on midges I'll tie it on as my last fly in the series.  In this position I will prolong the drift covering more water and allow the pattern to rise at the end of the swing.

Tying Notes:

1.  Nano Silk in 18/0 ensuress the body remains thin.  

2.  Once the body was been wrapped apply a light coat of UV resign

3.  The fluff at the bottom of a feather makes for a wonderful wing.  You'll want to get a pretty sizeable bunch together and try to use the portion closest to the stem.  To get the wing length pinch/pull the ends until even then wet the winging material.  Make a couple of securing wraps and draw feather to length.  Cut/Remove the waste end from over the eye..  The wing should be a little longer than normal on smaller sizes hooks.  This will allow the fluff to move in the water.  Too short of a wing will deaden the movement and lessen the effectiviness of the pattern

Materials:

Hook:  TMC 2488 or 2488H, sizes 18-22 (pictured is size 20)

Thread:  18/0 Nano Silk, copper 

Shuck:  Hends Body Quil, tan

Body:  Polish Quills, dyed ginger (Coat body with a thin UV resin and cure)

Wing:  Fluff of the bottom of a partridge or grouse feather.  (Not filoplume)

Thorax:  Super Fine Dubbing, brown