Transitional Midge Emerger

One thing about a lot of different hatches -- midges included -- is that there tends to be a fairly distinct transition period as the fish start to focus on different phases of the hatch. Whether it's a larva-to-pupa or a pupa-to-adult or just plain adult phase, it's important to remember that the hatch will progress and that what a fish was focusing on 10 minutes ago, might not be what they're focusing on right now. It's during those transitional phases where it's a good idea to have a "cross-phase" pattern.

Cutthroat Trout who liked to eat midges

The Fripple pattern, as I've written about before, is a great pattern for mayflies because it can cross the emerger/adult/cripple phases and be a lot of things to a lot of fish. Think of it as more of a cross-dressing jack-of-all-trades. The Fripple Midge Emerger has that same idea in mind. I've found it to fish equally well during the beginning of a midge emergence all the way through to the adult phase. Also, I like this specific pattern because I've seen some of the bigger (#18 - #12) chironomids hatch in a more green/olive color than just plain black.

Fripple Midge Emerger:

Hook: Daiichi 1160 #18 - #22
Thread: Veevus 16/0, Black
Body: Veniard's Stripped Peacock Quill, Green. Coated with Clear Cure Goo Hydro
Wings: Dun Medallion Sheeting
Thorax: Evazote Foam, Black