Fly Tying Inventory
Mercury Midge
Pat Dorsey's Mercury Midge is a simple yet devastatingly effective midge pupa pattern. Its signature clear glass bead mimics the gas bubble that midges use to ascend to the surface during emergence. The slim thread body with fine wire ribbing provides the segmented look trout expect, while the bead adds subtle flash and weight. A must-have for any tailwater fly box.
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Materials
TMC 2487, Dai-Riki 125, or Daiichi 1130, sizes 18-24, curved nymph/scud hook
Clear glass midge bead (Mercury bead), extra small or midge size
8/0 or 70 denier — black, white, cream, red, olive, or peacock blue
Extra fine copper or silver wire
Tying thread (forms the body)
UV resin or Sally Hansen's Hard as Nails for a glossy finish
How to Tie the Mercury Midge
- 1
Step 1
Pinch down the barb and slide a clear glass bead onto the hook. Place the hook in the vise with the bead resting at the eye.
- 2
Step 2
Attach thread behind the bead and wrap back to the bend in smooth, touching turns, creating a slim base.
Keep everything slim — midges are slender insects. A bulky body will reduce effectiveness.
- 3
Step 3
Secure a length of fine wire at the hook bend, tying it down along the shank as you move the thread back to the bead.
- 4
Step 4
Wrap the thread forward in smooth, slightly tapered layers, building a slim body and ending just behind the bead.
- 5
Step 5
Spiral the wire rib forward in evenly spaced wraps to the bead. Secure the wire and break or cut off the excess.
- 6
Step 6
Optionally dub a tiny amount of black dubbing behind the bead for a thorax.
- 7
Step 7
Make a whip finish behind the bead. Optionally coat the body with UV resin for gloss and durability.
Watch Tying Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRfcJe1nyFM
Credit: Pat Dorsey