Vickie’s UV Midge

A must-have pattern for your stillwater arsenal

Vickie’s UV Midge

Midge Pupa on surface

My UV Midge chironomid pattern has consistently exceeded my expectations catching large trout. UV Midge is an effective imitation of chironomidae, trout’s primary year-round food source. This versatile fly can be fished either as the larva or pupa stage of the chironomid.

Its slim profile and distinctive glossy sheen created by reflective UV materials mirror the shiny appearance of the a chironomid pupa hanging in the surface film. Underwater visibility is further enhanced flash material added next to the hook’s eye.

UV Midge is my go-to fly when other food sources are scarce especially in late fall and early spring. Be prepared with a variety of sizes.

I caught this beautiful tiger trout with my Black UV Midge

How to Fish: When trout are sucking midges from the surface, I prefer using an intermediate 7-foot tip, or hoover line to maintain the fly close to the surface film. Use a slow 4-6 inch retrieves with long pauses.

Midge Pupa suspended in the surface film

If you don’t see fish working on or near the surface, use an intermediate sinking line to fish the UV Midge vertically up through the water column by allowing the fly to drop 10, 20, or 30 seconds. Use a slow, 4-6 inch pull and long pauses. Set the hook at the slightest indication of resistance as takes often can be soft.

When chironomid fishing using a floating line and an indicator, I use the UV Midge as the dropper and the UV Midge Pupa as the top fly (the pupa stage is typically found higher in the water column). Use a hand twist or slow retrieve with long pauses.

Trout caught with Olive UV Midge

I have found all colors of the UV Midge to be productive. However, I do adjust the size of the hook based on the time of year. In early spring, use a #10 hook. Once the water warms in the summer and late fall, drop the size to a #12 or #14.