Monday, November 29, 2010

What's in a "Smidgetoe" ???

A "Smidgetoe", you ask?  What does that have to do with fly fishing?  Let's begin with a trip out to the river.  As we approach the beauty that lies beneath, above, and around the water...we do not see any type of hatch to speak of.  Now, this is not an uncommon occurrence. It happens!  So, we start digging around in our bag of tricks...(chest pack or lumbar pack) and find our favorite fly box.  Such an assortment, it takes our breath away!  (At least mine)  I love the magic that surrounds each one.  They are all special in their own unique way.  So, what fly would you choose as your "go-to" fly when there isn't a hatch to help you out?  Some would say, the Copper John, the Hares Ear, or even the Pheasant Tail...Well, for me, it is the Chironomid Midge...aka: the "Smidgetoe". (There was once a little kid that couldn't say "mosquito", so he called the gnatty fly, a "Smidgetoe"!)  Here is where I keep my little "smidges"... Because they are so special, they have their own "small" flybox that I tuck away in one of my pockets...


    

Now, there is a mighty power behind each one of these "Smidgetoes"...You see, Chironomid Midges are a major component of the fish's diet. In fact, there are reports that show that at least 40-50% of the trout's daytime feeding consists of these insects.  So, it only makes sense to me, to try one of these little guys who resemble mosquitoes which don't bite. This fly seems to work well all year round as the midge throughout its lifecycle provides a staple diet for the trout.  And when a midge hatch is the only thing happening, you will be thankful for having the right fly in your fly box.  I just had one of my better days on one.  What a thrill!!  Yes, it is a little more involved with the rigging...but, its  worth the time.  I like to put a 6X or 7X fluorocarbon tippet on, which makes a nice presentation and looks more free-floating.  I like using sizes 16-20 most of the time.  So, when I'm fishing waters where nymphs are not producing or there isn't a specific hatch going on...I tie on one of these incredible, little "Smidgetoes"!!  And I usually have a productive and rewarding experience... <"(((><<

7 comments:

  1. Thanks to a special friend for the Chironomid contribution to my flybox...as you might guess, I can only tie Wooly Buggers with my nails...

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  2. I knew all those altoid boxes my wife has been saving really had a purpose. Great idea and one that I will try.

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  3. Glad to be of help! Remember to put a magnet strip on the inside of the top part...then, if any flies come loose...they will attach to it!

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  4. If chronomids get your heart pumping, then research the calibaetis in your waters for when the chronomids are a no go. Another thing to remember is Chironomid and calibaetis are members of the still water aquatic insect family, found on or just above the plant life. In the river, your looking for annelids and blackfly larva.

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  5. Uh oh. I see more bench time for me this week! ;) Nice post!

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  6. @ Bigerrfish...I wrote about what works for me...and so far it is the Midge that out-produces any other fly I use...it's just a pattern that is not limited to daily or hourly hatches. Of course, there are other things going on under the water to look for. I always spend time flippin' rocks!!
    @ Owl...Thanks! And I hope to read one of your posts soon!

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  7. O,h I wasnt trying to offend you in any way But,
    I am an avid midge and micro nymph fisherman, the largest fly I use on most tail waters is a 22, That being said "the midge" is large subject and quite possibly the largest of all the fly familys,
    Assuming its a river... When the fish key in to midges (one of the million that could be there), The fish are looking for active ones that wound up in the drift,
    question then becomes... when do the insects that we find under the rocks and in the moss make their way in to the moving water for a fish to take... sure, looking under the rocks is a good thing to do on a stream where your trying to find out what inhabits it but those bugs arent necessarily what you will find "in the drift"

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