Tying Tuesday: Mayflies, Midges, and Shrimp

January 21, 2025 By: Spencer Durrant

I’m definitely dreaming of warmer weather for this week’s Tying Tuesday. You’ll get treated to a nice little mayfly pattern, perfect for tossing on early spring hatches. Then, you’ll learn about a midge (which, admittedly, you could use right now), and that’s followed up by an interesting shrimp pattern for anyone looking to chase permit and bonefish while the rest of us freeze.

In the first video this week, Madison (from the Idaho Falls branch of Fly Fish Food) teaches us how to tie the Fluff Top Mayfly. This is a simple fly, and it creates a fantastic silhouette on the water. I can certainly see some uses for this out on my local spring creeks, for the pickier fish.

Material List

Hook: TMC 2488 Nymph Hook Size 14
Thread: SemperFli Nano Silk Ultra Fine 50D White
Shuck: Sparkle Emerger Yarn in Brown
Ribbing: Veevus Iridescent Thread in Shrimp Pink (#340)
Body: Fulling Mill Turkey Biots in Light Cahill
Post: Fulling Mill Parapost Yarn
Thorax: Fulling Mill Tactical Dry Fly Dub in Pink PMD
Wing: Fulling Mill CDC Feathers in White

Up next is a fly that speaks to my home roots—the Redneck Midge, from AvidMax. I’m of the opinion you can never have too many midge patterns, and I love getting creative with new imitations. This one has just enough flash to stand out, but it’s not overdone. Plus, it should be an easy tie.

Material List

Hook: Tiemco 2488 in Size 18
Bead: 2 millimeter Black
Thread: UTC 70D Olive
Ribbing: Small Black Ultra Wire
Hot Spot: Small Red Holographic Tinsel
Head Thread: 50D Black
Wing Case: Medium Opal Tinsel
Dubbing: Black Hare’s Ear Dubbing
Resin: Solarez Bone Dry

Our last fly this week is one I’ve never seen or heard of before. The Shrouser is a shrimp hybrid of the Crouser, and according to All Points Fly Shop, it’s a fan favorite for their clients chasing bonefish and permit. It looks relatively simple.