FLYMPH FORUM

Syl's Midge (Nemes)
Hook - Tiemco Model 102Y/Size 19
Thread - 8/0 UNI-Thread (Black)
Body - Three Strands of Peacock Herl (Natural) - reinforced in thread dubbing loop
Hackle - Hungarian Partridge Neck Hackle (Natural) -

Note about the hackle feather: These are the tiny feathers from the upper neck/collar region of the bird. If you don't have a partridge skin, you can use the tip of the feather for hackle.

PATTERN SOURCE: "Soft-Hackled Fly Imitations" by Sylvester Nemes

The photo makes this fly look larger than it is. It is tyed on a size 19 hook, and is tiny. I needed to use magnification to tye these little buggers.

Excellent rendering.

Really nice tie Ray. Can't beat this for simplicity and effectiveness.

I took another photo of the fly to better convey the size of the fly. Here is half a dozen of these next to a US dime. Like I say, these are tiny...



Thanks guys.

I tie some size 20 Soft Hackles that are used on Tail Waters here in Colorado. Normally they are a Winter pattern, and I have found them most useful in a nymphing tecnique. Ray, if I may ask, where and when do you use this pattern? By the way, very well done as always sir.

Wayne - I have never fished these. I can only tell you what is written in books. I am in the process of working my way through the patterns listed in Sylvester Nemes book titled "Soft-Hackled Fly Imitations".

According to Mr. Nemes book:

"The Midge pattern has caught more trout than any of the other new patterns, not only because it has been in use longer, but also because here in Montana, there is so much opportunity to use it. From early November until late March on most water, the midge is the only surface food available to the trout, and the hatch will occur during the warmest part of the day and with a hot sun shining down on the water. On the Bighorn it is the major hatch through May. Even after that time, however, the midge continues to appear on rivers and spring creeks usually late in the day when the sun has gone off the water and the temperatures start to drop. One way to know trout are feeding on midges (even when you can't see what they're feeding on) is when the fly which has been working for hours suddenly stops being effective, even though trout continue to rise. Chances are, if you put on one of these midges, you will start taking fish again."

This book was a joy to read...

And the master does it again.............i can't wait to get a signed copy of your first book.

Me too!

PM sent Ray

I have fished this pattern for a number of years. Mostly a winter pattern but a good searching pattern year around. I tweaked it bit and now tie it with red thread. I also use a black hook or the ALec Jackson crystal north country hooks. I like the Alec Jackson when the sun is out.

Beautifully executed Ray.

I didn't know that Sly tied flies though, mostly thought of him as an actor.

Syl however is a great fly tier and designer.