Smallest practical flies.

Timely that you posted this.  Although I dread doing it I just tied some size 24 midges with tiny bead head yesterday.  Worst part is putting on the bead.  Why did I tie these?  I’m leaving for trip out west and most common flies this time of year where I’m going are midge larvae, midge emergers and a few adult midge in the 18-24 size.  The last couple years I did best in the 22-24 size.  Today I’m going to be tying up some 22 mercuries, juju’s Baetis, red rojo’s, black beauties.  Probably wouldn’t be a bad idea to have some for MO streams.  Best check would be to pump a stomach.  Then you know what size and color.

Bill,  Thanks for tying and fishing Matt’s Midge.  What a beautiful, extremely effective fly.

Bill, you are talking my language! I tend to fish very small midge & nymph patterns. Usually, when fishing a dry dropper or 2-3 flies nymphing technique. I go extremely small size 24 & 26 for my bottom fly. I barely fish anything larger then a size 18 when nymph fishing.  As spooner Matt said it is dreadful and challenging to tie small. I have midge jaws for my vice and wear magnifying glasses which help. I recently finished tying some size 24 & 26 scuds and ruby 2 midge patterns for a upcoming trip to Lake Taneycomo. It’s very practical for me to fish size 20,22,24 and 26 flies. Just call me crazy!?

Spooner good luck in Colorado! Tell Greg & the Denver fellowship group and Landon hi for us. Please keep us posted of your trip.

Been tying down to 24s and that’s it. They want something smaller “let them eat cake!!!”

Important thing is DON’T CROWD THE EYE!!  (and use magnifying glasses). If you don’t crowd the eye they are easier to tie on to the tippet.