Blood Midge
The Blood Midge is a slim red chironomid or midge larva pattern, essential for trout in tailwaters, lakes, and cold slow pools. It fits Blood Midge fly pattern, red chironomid, midge larva fly, and best winter midge for trout searches.
Imitates: Red midge larva and chironomid pupa
Quick Reference
- Best Sizes
- #18-24 in rivers, #12-18 in lakes
- Best Season
- Year-round, strongest winter and early spring
- Best Conditions
- Cold tailwaters, slow pools, lake shoals, and deep chironomid water
- Water Temp
- 34-55°F
- Recommended Tippet
- 6X fluorocarbon
How to Rig It
Trail behind a Zebra Midge or suspend under an indicator in stillwater.
How to Present It
Extremely slow dead drift; midges do not move much.
Why It Works
Red midge larvae are common and trout eat them heavily when larger insects are absent.
History
Bloodworm-style midge patterns have been used by tailwater and stillwater anglers for decades.
Pro Tip
If trout are visible but not moving far, fish a tiny Blood Midge on light fluoro and slow everything down.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I fish a Blood Midge?+
Use it in cold water, winter tailwaters, or lakes where chironomids are active.
Not sure if Blood Midge is right today?
Get a fly recommendation based on live water temp, flow, sky, and time of day for any river in the US.
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