Manhattan Midge
The Manhattan Midge is a tiny high-visibility midge adult with a sparse wing post, designed for trout sipping minute insects in calm water. It fits Manhattan Midge fly pattern, tiny midge dry fly, and best small dry flies for selective trout.
Imitates: Adult midges and tiny black gnats
Quick Reference
- Best Sizes
- #20-24
- Best Season
- Year-round, especially winter and early spring
- Best Conditions
- Tailwaters, spring creeks, flats, and smooth pools
- Water Temp
- 38-58°F
- Recommended Tippet
- 6X-7X
How to Rig It
Fish alone on long fine leaders or behind a slightly larger dry for visibility.
How to Present It
Dead-drift with slack and minimal false casting over tiny sipping rises.
Why It Works
The clean dark body matches tiny adults while the wing post helps anglers keep track of a very small fly.
History
Modern midge-dry styles like the Manhattan Midge evolved for technical tailwater trout that key on tiny surface insects.
Pro Tip
Grease only the leader butt and tippet above the fly so the fly can sit naturally in the film.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I fish a Manhattan Midge?+
Fish it during midge hatches when trout are sipping tiny adults on smooth water, especially in cold months.
Not sure if Manhattan 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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