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Fly Tying: Flash Thread Midge

Posted on February 23, 2015February 26, 2015 by azwanderings
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 thoughts on “Fly Tying: Flash Thread Midge”

  1. The River Damsel says:
    February 24, 2015 at 4:46 am

    Awesome timing! I will be heading out there pretty soon. Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
    1. azwanderings says:
      February 24, 2015 at 3:02 pm

      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
  2. Bryan says:
    February 24, 2015 at 2:56 pm

    Those look great. Care to share the name or website of the craft store?

    Reply
    1. azwanderings says:
      February 24, 2015 at 3:04 pm

      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
  3. howardlevett says:
    February 25, 2015 at 3:31 am

    Another great fly to put on the to tie list.

    Reply
    1. azwanderings says:
      February 25, 2015 at 9:39 pm

      Thanks Howard.

      Reply
  4. Hopper Juan says:
    February 26, 2015 at 3:04 pm

    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
    1. azwanderings says:
      February 26, 2015 at 3:49 pm

      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
  5. Daniel Williams says:
    June 15, 2015 at 12:26 am

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

    Dan

    Reply
    1. azwanderings says:
      June 15, 2015 at 12:23 pm

      Thanks Dan. I appreciate the kind words.

      Ben

      Reply
  6. Dale says:
    February 1, 2021 at 11:55 am

    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
    1. azwanderings says:
      February 2, 2021 at 2:24 am

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

      Ben

      Reply

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