This is an easy fly to tie, so you beginners should feel comfortable attempting it. This fly was designed by Joe Contaldi who is a well-known guide in the Mammoth Lakes area and the fly pattern is used in Crowley Lake. So this should come in handy at the Mammoth fishout next month in September! Midges are a significant source of food for trout, so don’t hesitate to use the fly in other Stillwaters. It is usually fished under an indicator and often with another fly.
- HOOK: TMC, 200R. sizes, 14-16 Crimp barb.
- BEAD: small silver. thread bead onto hook, smaller hole first.
- THREAD: grey 8/0. attach behind bead
- WIRE: silver size, small. Lay on top of shank with butt end into bead.
- BODY: thread, keeping wire on top of shank, touching thread wraps Over wire and shank ending 1/3 around bend of hook.
- TAIL: pearl Krystal Flash With strand extending to rear, tie in tip with a couple thread wraps. Make one thread wrap under extending wire, then one thread wrap between wire and tail, then one thread wrap in front of tail.
- BODY CONTINUED: Touching thread wraps back to bead, making a SLIGHTLY tapered body. Spiral wrap wire forward to bead with about 8 wraps. Wrap wire around shank twice then twist wire to cut. Tie off thread behind bead, but don’t bulk up. Cut thread.
- TO FINISH FLY: Cut tail to 2/3’s the length of body. Apply Loctite Superglue to entire body.
Posted on July 31st, 2026