How to Tie the Zebra Midge

Producer: Ventures Fly Co.

The Zebra Midge is one of fly fishing’s most reliable patterns. Originally tied to imitate the larval and pupal stages of chironomids (non-biting midges), this simple fly became a staple on tailwaters across the American West, particularly on legendary fisheries like the San Juan River in New Mexico.

What makes the Zebra Midge so effective? Midges hatch year-round, even in the dead of winter when other aquatic insects go dormant. That means trout see them constantly—and eat them constantly. The slim profile, segmented body, and flashy tungsten bead trigger strikes when nothing else will.

Despite its simplicity, the Zebra Midge outperforms far more complicated patterns. It’s proof that sometimes the best flies are the ones you can tie fast, lose without heartbreak, and trust to produce fish every time you hit the water.

Tying materials
Hook: Nymph hook (curved, small)
Bead: Tungsten bead (silver)
Thread: 12/0 thread (black)
Wire: 0.1mm fine silver wire

If you’d rather skip sourcing materials separately, Ventures Fly Co. offers a bundled kit with everything you need to tie 20 Zebra Midges matched to this video.