Possibly the most overlooked trout food source by anglers is the midge or chironomid family. Midges are found everywhere and make up a disproportionate food source for the fish particularly in relation to its size. It is in the larval and pupa stages of the midge's life-cycle that are of most interest to anglers.

Midges pupa are very common especially in slower water and pools including the backwaters of rivers and lakes. They are a valuable part of the trout's diet and in the evening can cause a great flurry of activity as the trout go into a feeding frenzy as the pupae rise to the surface in huge numbers to transform into the midges that will swarm around in great clouds.

Midges are mostly found in slow moving water with a silty or muddy bottom.

Midge larva

The midge larva comes in many colours though it is the bright red form (called a blood worm) that is often used by anglers to attract fish. When these pupa move from the bottom they tend to wriggle and so attract the fish. It is therefore good to tie any imitation to ensure it imparts some movement in the water - especially when fishing it with a dead-drift.

Pupa

From the larva stage the midge moves to the pupa stage and will rise to the surface in preparation for emerging as the terrestrial adult. It is when they hand in the surface film of the water that they become of most interest to the fish. Many fly patterns have a small flotant attached behind the head so that the main section of the fly is suspended just below the surface.

Adult midge

The adult midge is of less interest to the angler. Often in the evenings there will be huge clouds of these insects flying around the water.

Imitating the midge

Midges as the name suggests are small and most patterns are based on the larval and pupae stages. To be effective they must be tied on very small hooks (sixes 16 - 22). There are many patterns and can be a deadly addition to your flybox.