Fly Tying Inventory
Juju Bee Midge
Charlie Craven's Jujubee Midge is one of the most effective midge pupa patterns ever devised, born on Colorado's South Platte River. Three strands of Superhair create a durable, flashy segmented body that outshines traditional thread midges. Named after Craven's daughter Julie, the pattern comes in countless color combinations and has saved countless trips when trout key on tiny midges.
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Materials
TMC 2488 or TMC 2487, sizes 16-24, curved scud/emerger hook
White 14/0 Veevus or UTC 70 Denier
Black 8/0 UNI-Thread (or color white thread with black Sharpie)
Superhair — 2 strands of one color, 1 strand contrasting (e.g., 2 black/1 white, 2 olive/1 black, 2 red/1 white)
Black tying thread built up, or fine black dubbing (Superfine or UV)
White Fluoro Fiber or white Sparkle Organza, pulled over thorax and split to sides
How to Tie the Juju Bee Midge
- 1
Step 1
Place the hook in the vise and start white thread behind the eye, wrapping a smooth base to the bend.
- 2
Step 2
Tie in three strands of Superhair at the bend — two of one color and one contrasting color for the rib effect.
Popular combos: 2 black/1 white (Zebra), 2 olive/1 black, 2 chartreuse/1 black, 2 red/1 white.
- 3
Step 3
Wrap all three strands forward together, creating a segmented abdomen. Stop at about 70% of the shank length and tie off.
- 4
Step 4
Whip finish the white thread, clip it, and re-start with black thread at the front of the abdomen.
- 5
Step 5
Tie in a small tuft of white Fluoro Fiber or Sparkle Organza on top of the thorax area.
- 6
Step 6
Build up a prominent thorax with tight wraps of black thread, or dub a small amount of fine black dubbing.
- 7
Step 7
Pull the Fluoro Fiber forward over the thorax, tie down, then split the remaining fibers to each side to suggest wing buds.
- 8
Step 8
Whip finish behind the hook eye. Trim wing buds to a short, visible length.
- 9
Step 9
Apply a drop of head cement for durability.
For batch tying, use white thread throughout and color the thorax section with a black Sharpie before completing.
Watch Tying Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wFfni_DIUg
Credit: Charlie Craven