Fly Tying Inventory
Mercury Black Beauty
Pat Dorsey's Mercury variant of the classic Black Beauty midge, featuring a small clear glass bead that imitates the natural air bubble of an emerging midge pupa. This pattern is a must-have for winter tailwater fishing and any time midges are the primary food source. Its slim profile and subtle flash make it deadly on selective, pressured trout.
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Materials
TMC 2487 or Daiichi 1140, sizes 18-24
Extra small clear glass midge bead
Black UTC 70 Denier or 8/0
Extra fine copper wire
Black tying thread (same as above)
Black Superfine or UV2 Fine & Dry dubbing
How to Tie the Mercury Black Beauty
- 1
Step 1
Slide the clear glass bead onto the hook, small end first, and mount the hook in the vise.
- 2
Step 2
Start black thread behind the bead and wrap a smooth base back to the start of the bend.
- 3
Step 3
Tie in a length of fine copper wire at the rear edge of the bead, wrapping it along the shank toward the bend, keeping it to the near side.
- 4
Step 4
Continue wrapping thread rearward to about a third down the bend (on curved hooks), forming a smooth, slightly tapered body.
- 5
Step 5
Bring thread back up to just behind the bead, creating an even, slim thread body.
- 6
Step 6
Spiral the copper wire rib forward in 5-7 even turns toward the bead. Secure with thread wraps and trim or break off excess.
Even spacing on the wire creates a realistic segmented look.
- 7
Step 7
Dub a very small amount of black Superfine dubbing onto the thread and build a subtle, thin thorax immediately behind the bead.
- 8
Step 8
Whip finish behind the bead. Optionally apply a thin coat of UV resin over the body for extra durability and sheen.
Watch Tying Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qehBZ96XXMk
Credit: Pat Dorsey