Micro Fishing Flies

Micro fishing flies are tiny flies intended for tiny fish. Although midges this small are used for trout, these very small flies are intended for very small fish. Most micro fishing anglers use bait, but most small fish also eat small insect larvae. Fly fishing for micros should be a very reasonable, albeit very challenging, alternative.

It's not just the fishing that is challenging. Tying flies this small is also a challenge, even with good light and a big magnifying glass. Luckily, Anthony Naples likes to tie small flies. These are a few of his micro fishing flies and the descriptions are in his own words.

The Patterns

There are more midge patterns than fly fisherman. You could never tie them all (it might be fun trying though). However, there are only a few that I fish time after time. Maybe I could find “better” patterns – but after trying other flies and variations, I’ve settled on these as my favorites. Of course, I always tie up some new patterns before heading out, it’s always fun to experiment. Three of the patterns are midge pupa imitations and one is a very small mayfly nymph. All are tied on Daiichi 1110 size 26 hooks (by a guy who really loves tying small flies).

Anthony Naples Micro Flies Collection

The Anthony Naples Micro Flies Collection is a dozen flies consisting of three flies from each of his four patterns. If yor're new to midge fishing, or new to fly fishing for micros, this is a good place to start.

Anthony Naples Micro Flies Collection - $36

Al's Rat

The Al’s Rat was developed by Pennsylvania Fly Tyer Al Miller. Being a Pennsylvania Fly Fisher I always have a special place in my fly box for PA patterns. Again, this is a nice simple pattern, tied with two materials. Thread and muskrat fur. I imagine you could change up the color scheme – but I usually tie it just as shown.

Al's Rat - $18 for half dozen

Black Thread Midge

The black thread midge is my go to pattern for midges. Is it the best? Who knows, all that I know is that I use it and I catch fish on it. I like the simplicity of the pattern. I feel like the silver wire rib makes a nice contrast with the black thread. In short I feel confident fishing it. It may seem like a cliche but, you’ll catch more fish if you have confidence in the pattern you’re fishing. You can vary the color of the thread and wire rib of this fly. You’ll find a million variations on this basic pattern – but this is the one I’ve settled on for now. I like to site fish it underneath to actively nymphing fish, or fish it in or near the film to risers.

Black Thread Midge - $18 for half dozen

Brassie

Tied with fine copper wire and peacock herl this is a micro-version of the popular brassie nymph. The copper wire adds a segmented appearance and helps it to sink while the iridescent peacock herl seems to hold a special attraction for fish. It may be imitative of midge pupa or even cased caddis larva.

Brassie - $18 for half dozen

Micro Nymph

Woodduck-dyed mallard tails, slim thread abdomen and black hare's ear thorax. This tiny fly is a good imitation of any miniscule mayfly nymphs, such as baetis or the early stages of larger mayfly nymphs.

Micro Nymph - $18 for half dozen

Payment

Payment is through Paypal but you don't need to have a Paypal account. You can use your credit card. Paypal payments will be made to chris at tenkarabum dot com. Credit card statements will read CM Stewart.

Shipping

If you purchase one dozen or more micro fishing flies, they will be shipped in a 6 compartment fly box with separate snap lids for each compartment. The positive snap lids close more tightly than the lid on the minimalist box, which is important with such small flies. The box protects the flies during shipping, fits in your pocket or on a lanyard and will easily hold more midges than you could possibly use for a day on the stream.

Domestic shipping is $3. Most small items can be combined and shipped for a flat $3 charge.

Domestic shipping is $3. Most small items can be shipped together for a flat $3 charge.

International shipping requires an additional $6 to Canada and $11 to other countries. Please click on the appropriate button below.

Magnetic Midge Box

The six compartment box that orders of a dozen or more flies are shipped in is more than adequate. However, there is a box I like better for such small flies. It is the Magnetic Midge Box.

Magnetic Midge Box The problem with midge flies is that they are so darn SMALL! Us fat fingered folks have a hard time getting one out of fly boxes that have the slit foam, and a very hard time getting just one out of fly boxes that have compartments. This box solves that problem. There is one large compartment and your flies are held in place by a powerful magnet. You can spread them out so that it is easy to pick up just one at a time. With the bright white background, you can even see the little buggers. The box measures 4 3/8" by 3 3/8" by 3/4" so it fits in your pocket easily. It will hold more midges than you need. (Flies sold separately.)