Klinkhammer-style Midge
Above photo: A #19 TMC 212Y makes for a good
foundation for a Klinkhammer-style midge
If we were to translate a classic Klinkhammer into a micropattern, its geometry is perfectly fitting for a midge emerger pattern. This low-riding legendary fly has earned its wings for one of the most successful “hanging” body emergers, making it ideal for mayfly and caddis emergers. Tying this down to a size #20 or #22 takes a little patience and practice, but it will pay massive dividends on the river, especially for very selective trout.
This is an extremely easy fly to tie in sizes 14-18, but parachute posts and horizontal hackle collars become increasingly challenging as we move into smaller sizes. Some care has to be taken when tying your wing posts. I use turkey t-base feathers most of the time for wing posts, but a single column strand of Tiemco Aero Dry Wing makes this task more straightforward to handle and creates less bulk around the hook. Using a layer of Kapok for the thorax and topping it off with either superfine or Beaver Belly dubbing works very well. I often use black-striped rooster quills for parachute bodies, but for micropatterns, I step down to something more gossamer-like, such as stripped peacock quills.
A bit of cream colored antron just rear of the thorax gives the impression of the nymphal shuck and adds a little refraction as well. I use these little guys in very shallow, spooky water, typically using 6x or 7x tippet combined with a furled leader. The quieter the better for this type of water. Takes for these are most often sips, so a slower set is also needed, as well as a slower heart rate.
Klinkhammer-Style Midge
Hook: TMC 212Y #19 | Thread: UTC Ultra 70 Black | Body: Peacock quill natural | Shuck: Cream Antron | Thorax: Kapok topped with black Beaver Belly | Wing post: Tiemco Aero Wing Dry | Hackle: Black | (varnish quill body using Holly Hansen Topcoat)Keep this fly in your repertoire on little slow spring creeks and ribbony backwater, it has saved me many times in the fall when the boil risers are testing your patience!
Thanks for letting me share ~ Clint
