DNR Midge (Do Not Resuscitate)
Above photo: My DNR Midge uses two wraps of Perdigones Pearl tinsel just above the top of the abdomen at the lower crease of the loop wing. This gives the impression of a gas bubble characteristic of a shucking midge partially emerged from its pupal casing.
Stuck-in-shuck midges are often tied on a straight-shank hook, with their bellies flush in the surface film. These stillborn emergers are highly effective for bulging and porpoising feeders. The Tiemco 206BL is a wonderful hook, both for stuck-in-shuck midges and transitioning insects stuck in the surface film. This hook keels wonderfully in the water and provides exceptionally positive hookups in smaller sizes. The 206BL is one of those Swiss Army Knife hooks that is a wonderful foundation for all types of surface patterns due to its very light wire. The slightly turned-up eye has always intrigued me based on its ability to hold fish firmly. Quite simply put, it's a hook that instills a lot of confidence in me.
In the photo above, you can see the Perdigones pearl tinsel just below the thorax on this #20 TMC 206BL. This is just enough flash and refraction for the trout to take special notice. You get reflectivity back into the dubbing, so a little sliver of pearl tinsel goes a long way. Less is always more when you're using flash for very selective browns.
Above photo: I tie these tiny DNR Midges in rusty tan, medium dun, and baetis
green colorways. You can switch up the pearl tinsel to a gold, green, or blue tint.
Above photo: The venerable TMC 206BL, dressed in this #20 DNR Midge, has a fairly wide gape and a subtle curve in the shank. This hook design itself is truly a work of art. The hook is very forgiving, depending on how far down the hook bend you dress, you can tie an emerger, a stillborn midge, a stuck-in-shuck, or even an adult midge.
In 2025, I hooked into some very large brown trout on the Grand River using this pattern, and it has earned its keep in my fly boxes for good. The Grand River browns are very educated and quite accustomed to heavy foot traffic, and easily recognize common patterns from frequenting anglers. Making a departure from the usual suspects as far as fly patterns go is a smart tactic for such selective trout. Remember that Simple adaptations from a common theme can lead you down a successful path when it comes to emergers, stillborn emergers, and stuck-in-shuck patterns.
Above photo: A #20 TMC 206BL is deceptively small, but the wide gape and upturned eye make for very positive hookups. It's a hook that I use most of the time for many of my micropatterns for very selective trout.
Hook: TMC 206BL #18-20
Thread: Semperfli Nano silk white
Abdomen: Stripped natural peacock quill
Gas Bubble: Perdigones Pearl tinsel
Trailing Shuck: Cream or amber antron
Loop Wing: Select CDC feather natural x1
Thorax: Kapok, beaver belly, and squirrel SLF
This is a relatively simple pattern that can be infinitely varied in so many colorways. Remember that midges are pretty slender and gossamer, not bulky, so be mindful while selecting feathers and dubbing; a little bit goes a long way on a #20 hook. Be creative with this particular TMC 206BL hook; it's quite stealthy, and it will definitely surprise you with the most selective trout!
Thanks for letting me share...Clint Bova
