Unlocking Adventure: Tie and Fish the FloatLine Midge Emerger

When the fish are being picky sipping on emerging midges, few patterns will be as effective as the FloatLine Midge Emerger. Designed for anglers, this pattern shines when targeting fish keying in on emerging midges—a critical food source in aquatic ecosystems. This pattern is not just a must have in your fly box, but also quick, easy, it's durable, and cost efficient to tie!  With that in mind grab your tying tools and gear, because the adventure of landing finicky fish with your own creation is waiting!

The Importance of Emerging Midges

Although they are small in size, they are mighty in value and important in a fish's diet in most every water system. These insects are present year-round, but are an extra important food source for fish during the cooler months when other insect activity wanes.  Fish love sipping on emerging stage midges because they're trapped just below the surface of the water making them an easy and vulnerable target.

As midges rise to hatch, fish take notice. With this, you get subtle rises that form rings in the water surface as the fish begin to sip emerging midges stuck in the surface film.  As fish begin to focus on these tiny insects and you see the signs of rings signaling fish sipping on emerging insects the FloatLine Midge Emerger can turn the most challenging day on the water into one of the most memorable and unforgettable days on the water.

Where and When to Find Fish Feeding on Emerging Midges

Emerging midges are found in most bodies of water, from freestone rivers and tailwaters to stillwater environments like lakes and ponds. Key locations include:

• Slow-moving currents: Fish have more time to pick off midges as they ascend.
• Eddy lines and seams: Concentrations of midges make for easy feeding.
• Shallow flats near drop-offs: Perfect ambush zones for hungry trout.

Best Times for Midge Hatches

Midges are versatile insects that hatch in a wide variety of conditions. Key times include:

• Cool mornings and evenings during warmer months.
• All day long in winter, especially during mild, overcast weather.
• Low light conditions such as cloudy skies or just before sunset.

Regional Hatch Chart for Midges

To help you plan your next adventure, here’s a regional breakdown of midge hatches across the United States, Canada, and Europe:

Why the FloatLine Midge Emerger is a Must-Tie Pattern

The FloatLine Midge Emerger offers everything an angler needs to tackle midge hatches effectively:

• Simplicity: Beginner or expert, this pattern is easy to tie in just minutes.
• Durability: Its design withstands the rigors of repeated strikes.
• Effectiveness: Mimics the vulnerable profile of a struggling midge perfectly.
• Cost-Efficient: With minimal materials, it’s one of the most affordable flies to tie.

FloatLine Midge Emerger Fly Tying Tutorial

Materials list:

Change colors to match your preference

• Hook: Moonlit Premium TOGATTA ML102 sz16-20
• Thread: Semperfli Classic Waxed 12/0 Black
• Tail: Semperfli Micro Glint 3 strands (Old Silver)
• Body: Semperfli Classic Waxed 12/0 Black
• Rib: Semperfli Micro Metal Steel
• Wing Case: Moonlit Zero Gravity 1mm Tying Foam White
• Thorax: Moonlit Fly Fishing Beaver Dry Fly Dubbing Black
• Legs: Semperfli Micro Glint 2 strands (Old Silver)

This pattern simply comes to life with just a few steps, making it perfect for tying several in one session. Want to simplify even further? Check out and get your kit by clicking this link FloatLine Midge Emerger Fly Tying Kit, which includes everything you need with minimal clicks!

Fishing the FloatLine Midge Emerger

The FloatLine Midge Emerger excels when fished:

• On a dead drift: Cast upstream and let it naturally ride the current.
• As a dropper: Pair it with a larger dry fly to imitate a midge stuck just below the surface.
• In stillwater: Use a slow retrieve to mimic an emerging midge.

Pro Tip: Grease your leader but avoid the fly itself to maintain its natural position just under the surface film. 

Leader Set Up:

• Moonlit Platinum Featherweight or Regular Featherweight Furled Leader: Add 4'-5' of mono tippet off the end tied off to your fly, treating you leader with a float paste.  (We recommend the NIRVANA Floatant)
• NIRVANA ON THE FLY theDRIFTER Furled Leader:  This leader performs like no other and doesn't require any treatment with 4'-5' of mono tippet running from your leader to the fly.
• Tippet: We recommend using a mono tippet for fishing this pattern as you want it to hold and fish in the surface film.  The Moonlit Fly Fishing 50m Mono Tippet is the perfect value to pair with this fly and leader set up.

Embrace the Adventure

There’s nothing more rewarding than catching fish on a fly you’ve tied yourself. The FloatLine Midge Emerger opens doors to thrilling days on the water, whether you’re on your local tailwater, a serene alpine lake, or a bustling freestone river.

Ready to Get Started?

Explore the FloatLine Midge Emerger Fly Tying Kit and materials now, and tie up some for your next outing. Take the leap—tie, fish, and create your own midge emerger adventure.

Start your journey today and reel in the rewards of handcrafted success!