February- 

For most anglers, midges are either too small to see or too small to tie. Both of these claims are, I believe, a bit too demonstrative. While these claims are in part true, there are some very good reasons to overcome dipteraphobia, the fear of midges. Since midges will be a major factor for feeding trout this month(as they have been all winter), a bit more attention should be given to them and their life cycles.

Midges are often referred to as "snow flies" because they are one of the few insects that will emerge during the cold winter months. Because they are active in the winter, they are, therefore, readily available to hungry trout looking for an easy meal. It is for this reason that it would behoove the intrepid angler to take notice and delve into the dark art of midging.  Understanding the basics of the midge(diptera) lifecycle and making some basic observations streamside will go a long way in adding to success and the adventure.

First, recognize that midges are not only present and active in the winter but also an important item in the benthic community during the winter months. Stream samples on the Muskegon (both taken with seines and stomach pumps) reveal that midges are MAJOR players, like hot wings at a tailgate party, you could say. Their lifecycle is very similar to most aquatic insects that display complete metamorphosis: adult, egg, several larval instars (dependent on species), pupa, adult. The adults on the Muskegon are not often important to trout fisherman, so we'll focus on the larval and pupal stages. The larvae are thin and worm-like, usually a size 16 and smaller. They usually have a uniform color to their body. The pupa, on the other hand, will have a distinctly darker thorax due to the tightly packed wings of the "ready to emerge" stage. Carrying midge patterns that represent both of these stages is a good idea.

Secondly, fish them! If you haven't fished midges in the past, give it a try. Don't think, "These flies are too small to catch a decent fish." Some of the largest fish I've hooked have been on midges fished in the right situations. I think big fish let their guard down when eating them and don't think twice about eating a well presented midge larvae or pupae. If there are midges in the air, try pupa patterns fished deep and at mid-levels; don't be afraid to try twitching them in slower side margins of the current.  If there is no visible appearance of midges in the air, try fishing midge larvae deep. Here are some ideas for midge imitations to fish this winter : midge lace pupae and larvae (Allen Brothers Flies sells these), brassies in various colors, goose biot midge pupa, rs-2, and the like. Color is of most importance; lately the trout want light-medium olive. Next time you are out on the water this winter (don't wait until it is over), give midges a try. You may find that they are not as hard to fish as suspected and will produce some great fishing.  

One of the most frequently asked question in our shop is for a book that matches actual insect photos to actual flies. Fly selection can be both an art and science. Hatch charts provide information on when and where insects will be abundant.  Pattern books provide recipes for the tyer to create the artificial imitation. Rarely, though, are both topics married into one volume.  Ann Miller's new book, Hatch Guide For Upper Midwest Streams, does just what anglers have asked: combining four-color pictures of trout stream insects with flies tied by some of the upper Midwest's best known tyers and guides. Printed by Frank Amato Publishers and just released, this 348 page book is full of baseline knowledge to help all of us land more trout here where we live. 

Ann is an aquatic biologist by training but a fly angler by passion.  A strong supporter of FFF, she has volunteered her time for years teaching basic fly fishing and tying classes throughout the region.  In writing this book, she breaks the volume into five distinct sections: Mayflies, Caddisflies, Stoneflies, Other Aquactic Insects and Crustaceans, and Fly Pattern Recipes.  She also includes a glossary of terms, a very well done bibliography of related angling titles and a hatch chart for the upper Midwest.

Priced at $30.00, this book is a bargain; it details nymphs, duns, and spinners for 26 mayflies, as well as featuring 14 caddis, nine stone flies, and eight other aquatic insects-57 species in total.  The photography is crisp and bold, allowing the reader to view body and wing colors for better identification.  Each photo also has a description of the insect at its particular stage of life and how it relates to the angler.   Anne Miller worked on this project for the past few years, and her patience, attention to detail and passion for fly fishing come through on each page.

As a "Match the hatch" type of fly angler, not to mention, book junkie, I own numerous volumes on bugs and their relevance to anglers.  I now own three more; I have placed a copy of this book in the console of my truck, one in my gear bag, and one at my house.  Ann Miller's Hatch Guide for the Upper Midwest is a keeper-a book that you will use and use again.  This book will not only add knowledge to your game, but one that will enhance your angling experience.

Glen Blackwood