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. 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. Using a partially submerged cream antron trailing shuck and pearl tinsel just above the abdomen, I create the illusion in hopes of signaling the trout that the midge is in distress mode. In this very vulnerable state, it struggles using the trapped air between its parting sections to slowly wiggle out of the shuck. Typically, midges rise and fall in the water column, repeatedly filling this gas bubble before finally taking flight.
If you happen to pick up a copy of Ed Engle's book Tying Small Flies, he discusses this life cycle stage and the midge's gas bubble phenomenon in great detail. A wonderful book for a better understanding of the life cycles of these tiny waterborne insects. This book was copyrighted in 2004, yet has timeless relevance in my mind for much of my conceptual tying to this day.
Above photo: The venerable TMC 206 BL, dressed in this #20 DNR Midge, has a fairly wide gape and a subtle curve in the shank. This hook is truly a work of art, creating a wonderful canvas for both emerger and stuck-in-shuck patterns. 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.
~DNR Midge (Do Not Resuscitate)~
Hook: TMC 206 BL #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 206 BL hook; it's quite stealthy, and it will definitely surprise you with the most selective trout!
Thanks for letting me share...Clint Bova
