Fly Tying: Flash Thread Midge

Flash Thread Midge
Flash Thread Midge

I remember the first time I fished the San Juan River, my friend Mike, from Dry Flies and Fat Tires, gave me a couple of flies. In that collection of flies he passed on to me were a couple of Flash Thread Midges (also called the Bling Midge). I learned first hand that flies don’t have to be overly complex and difficult to tie to be productive. Ever since then, I keep a couple of Flash Thread Midges in my tailwater fly box. Typically, I’ll tie them from size 18 on down to 24.

  • Hook: #18-24 curved hook
  • Thread: UTC 70 – Brown for body/Black for head
  • Thorax: Holoshimmer Tinsel Thread – Silver (found this at a local craft store)

If you are looking for a cool variation of this pattern, check out Juan Ramirez’s video of the Biot Bling Midge. Excellent pattern.

Flash Thread Midge
Start with a slim body of brown thread. You can use floss here too, but thread is quick and simple.
Flash Thread Midge
Holoshimmer Tinsel Thread
Flash Thread Midge
Make a couple wraps of Holoshimmer tinsel.
Flash Thread Midge
Whip finish the brown thread and make a few wraps with black thread for the head.

 

Flash Thread Midge
Flash Thread Midge
Flash Thread Midge
Flash Thread Midge
San Juan Rainbow
San Juan Rainbow who fell to a Flash Thread Midge

 

 

 

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12 Responses to “Fly Tying: Flash Thread Midge”

    • azwanderings

      Very cool. Have fun while you’re up there and I look forward to seeing a report. Are you headed upriver or fishing the walkin?

      Ben

      Reply
    • azwanderings

      Bryan. I think I picked them up at JoAnne Fabrics if my memory serves me correctly. It comes on a spool of 250 yard spool and they have multiple colors to choose from. Good luck and thanks for the kind words.

      Ben

      Reply
  1. Hopper Juan

    I missed how you did that. Can you do it again? 🙂
    Other names are the Bling Midge and use the Coats & Clarks thread. It’s a great pattern and has a spot in my box and is used quite often.

    Reply
    • azwanderings

      Haha. It’s a simple one for sure. Good info on the Bling Midge and just saw your video on it. Hope all is well and you’re getting a chance to get out and fish. Take care.

      Ben

      Reply
  2. Daniel Williams

    Ben most impressed with your recent writings. Keep up the good work.

    Dan

    Reply
  3. Dale

    These are awesome. I also buy different products from JoAnn fabrics including this Holoshimmer Tinsel tread for me midges and use it for ribbing.
    Thanks for the share.
    Dale

    Reply
    • azwanderings

      Thanks for the comment Dale. Glad to hear I’m not the only one shopping at JoAnn’s.

      Ben

      Reply

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