When midge fishing is mentioned among experienced trout fishermen, the topic will always be met with nodding heads and knowing smiles. What do those experts know you don’t, and how can you tap into their expertise?
Well, let’s answer that question by asking another one first.
What is a midge?
Some people don’t know what that bug is, so let’s start there. It isn’t a mosquito -to be precise. It is, in fact – any small fly with a wingspan of only 2-3mm. People often confuse those insects with mosquitoes because of their similarity in size. However, those gnats don’t bite and will often fly in swarms. Have you ever walked through a cloud of tiny flies that you thought were mosquitoes? They were probably midges.
When would you use them?
Here’s a big secret that you should be aware of. You can use those tiny bugs – all year round. That’s right – trout enjoy those insects 365 days a year and include them in 50% of their diet. That should tell you a lot about why fishermen love using them. You’re guaranteed that they’re on the menu all the time. Of course, large flies are often best for catching large fish. But what do you do when they’re not biting the big ones? That’s the time to break out your midge box.
This is especially true during the cold months. Fish will only eat what they need to keep their metabolism running. During the frigid parts of the year, fish will transition into a style of feeding that minimizes the energy they burn. Their source of giant bugs has usually long since dried up, so guess what those fish are searching for? You thought right – midges. They’ll feed on the most abundant food source that requires the least amount of energy to consume.
Can You Fish With Only the Winged Fly?
Most people assume that fishing with a midge only refers to the adult – or winged stage. That isn’t true at all. Fish will devour their life stages, including; the larvae, pupa, and winged flies. Each type requires a different technique to be successful. Dry flies are fished from the surface. The larvae are found close to the bottom, while the pupae are found just below the surface.
Your Reward…
Fishermen who rely on only one bait type will always limit themselves. If you want to maximize your success – become flexible in your approach to choosing what you tie to the end of your line. Fishing with a midge is a winning technique in cold weather. It might also work when the fish aren’t biting on your larger lures. And when you want to try something different – try that tiny gnat. Who knows? You could get lucky. You might even share a smile someday with those experienced fishermen; when someone brings up the topic of those small flies… that resemble mosquitoes.
*… this was content for a fishing supplies magazine. I don’t fish, do you… *