Purple Midge
Very cool multicolored beads on these make them irresistible. Show the trout something new.
The Purple Midge is a small subsurface pattern for trout feeding on midges and tiny aquatic insects. Its multicolored bead profile gives fish something different to notice while still keeping the overall fly compact and believable.
This pattern is useful in tailwaters, winter flows, clear water, slow seams, and technical nymphing situations where trout are feeding on small food. The purple tone can be especially helpful when natural colors are getting ignored.
Fish it under an indicator, as a dropper, or as part of a multi nymph rig. It is a good changeup when trout are picky, water is clear, and a small midge with a little color can trigger the eat.
FAQs
What does the Purple Midge imitate?
The Purple Midge imitates tiny midge larvae, pupae, or emerging midges that trout feed on when small bugs are the main event. Midges are simple, slender insects in their immature stages, and trout often eat them because they are abundant and available when larger hatches are not happening. The purple color adds an attractor twist—still small and midge-like, but with a little “hey buddy, look over here” energy.
When should I fish a Purple Midge?
Fish a Purple Midge in cold weather, winter, early spring, tailwaters, spring creeks, slow pools, and anytime trout are eating tiny subsurface food. Midges can be important year-round, and adult or emerging midges can bring trout up even when the banks are frosty and everything else looks asleep. If the fish are feeding small and picky, this fly deserves a turn.
Where does the Purple Midge work best?
The Purple Midge works best in slower seams, tailouts, spring creeks, deep pools, soft edges, and tailwaters where trout have time to inspect tiny food. Midge pupae often rise slowly toward the surface and can gather in or near the film, which is why trout may feed with soft, smooth rises instead of splashy takes. This is little-bug chess, not chuck-and-duck rodeo.
How should I fish the Purple Midge?
Fish the Purple Midge under an indicator, as a dropper below a dry fly, or on a light nymph rig with fine tippet. Keep the drift slow, natural, and drag-free, especially in calm water where trout can study the fly like they are reviewing your resume. If fish are feeding just under the surface, adjust your depth shallower and let the fly hang in the zone where midge pupae are vulnerable.
Why carry a Purple Midge?
Carry a Purple Midge because trout do not always want a perfect natural copy. Sometimes the right size and profile matter most, and a subtle attractor color can help your fly stand out among tiny naturals. Midges may be small, but they can save the day when bigger bugs are absent and trout are still quietly eating like little underwater accountants.