Aquatic Trout Food - Midge

Midge, or chironomids, exist in the silt of Tasmanian waters and the populations are in their billions. They ascend through the water column and hatch in the surface film in generally calm, overcast and cool conditions.

Trout will focus eagerly on the ascending pupae and those in the surface film. Slicks and wind lanes promote a good accumulation of these insects and if the conditions stay dull the fish can feed for hours.

Fly fishing strategy

Use a midge pupae suspended under a dry fly as an indicator. A small size 18 – 14 CDC emerger is a favourable approach. Lay it three or four feet ahead in the trout’s path, and let it sit.

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Fly fishing Tasmania - techniques for catching trout when midge are about.