Perdigon Midge (UV) (Pink)

You might have heard of the popular Perdigon nymphs from Europe, but I doubt you've heard or seen a Perdigon midge pattern?   To be honest I've never seen or heard of a Perdigon midge pattern either, but I did intend following the tying simplicity and technique of the nymphs when I designed this "attractor midge."  The name is derived from nothing more than the body material used to tie this pattern. 

Why pink?  This color has always been a good attractor for me in the Pacific Northwest and now the Sierra's.  Perhaps the common denominator is the Glossosoma caddis larva; which, can be found in hues of creams, orange, pink, and on some creeks and rivers here in California, even  a purplish coloration.  Should be pretty easy to understand why I chose the pink ultra violet (UV), eh?

In addition to the pink UV  I've added a 15/0 transparent pink with silver lining glass bead and placed a hot spot of fluorescent pink thread immediately behind the bead.  The bead absorbs some of the thread color allowing for visual pop.  Lastly, I applied a very thin coating of UV resin to the bead.  The bead has taken on a whole new look!

The best time(s) to fish this pattern is mid-spring through the summer when the Glossosoma larva are most active.  To break this time down even further look at late evenings when the larva free themselves from their stony homes start the downstream drift.  I would also suggest fishing this pattern in the dead of winter and/or after a good dumping of rain.   Who knows?  The fish may mistake for an aquatic worm, freshwater shrimp or even strike out of curiosity.   Fish the faster runs and riffles!

Troutline (Romania) is the genius behind this hot material- Perdigon UV Flat Tinsel.  It is currently available in 7-colors and my fingers are tightly crossed for more!  This mylar tinsel is unique in that it has a base color,  a pearlescent effect and an UV effect.  Which color or effect is more predominant depends on the angle of light.  However, all three colors seems to be visible to some degree at any given time or condition. 

Materials:

Hook:  Daiichi 1150  or any curved scud hook (Sizes 16-20)  (Size 18 pictured)

Bead:  15/0 Japanese glass Tohu,  #245

Thread:  UTC 70 Fl Pink

Body:  Perdigon UV Flat Tinsel, Pink

Step 1:

Flatten barb with vise jaws.  Add 15/0 bead and secure hook in vise.

Step 2:

Take 5 or 6 threads to start/secure thread.  Remove tag end.

Step 3:

Remove approximately 8 to 10 inches of Perdigon tinsel from the spool.   To secure tinsel without taking one turn of thread simply take the tinsel underneath the hook and grab the tag end (left) from behind the hook and lift straight up with both hands from slightly behind the hook.  Repeat this step two more times in a counter-clockwise (or front to back) rotation around the hook shank.  You should essentially have three wraps of thread securing the tinsel.  Apply a slight amount of pressure to the threads wraps pulling on bobbin and take an addition thread wrap forward behind the bead.

Step 4:

Wrap tinsel to approximately the halfway point and return to the bead area.   Now take tinsel turns well into the bend of the hook and turn back to the bead.  This will create a nice tapered body.  Secure with a 3 or 4 turn whip finish.

Step 5:

Apply a thin coat or two of UV resin to achieve desired effect.  If desired, add a very thin coat of resin to the bead.  The bead will take on a whole new look/effect.  The fly is complete!

Enjoy!