Tying the Bubbleback Midge

Recipe:

hook: 2487 20-22
rib: UTC ultra wire (silver x-small)
thread: 8/0 (red)
underbody: red thread over-wrapped by UTC Flashback Tinsel (x-small pearl)
bead: extra small mercury bead
dubbing: superfine black mixed with Ice Dub (UV Dun)
superglue: brush applicator

Step 1: Make a thread base from just behind the eye to about 2-3 eye lengths behind the eye. Clip the tag end.

Step 2: Anchor 4-5 inch strand of wire to thread base. Only wrap forward to 1 eye length away from eye. Leave sizable tag end.

Step 3: Put bead on the wire on the tag end.

Step 4: The crucial step. hold bead vertical and then wrap the wire in front of the bead 2-3 times to anchor the bead vertical. Then take the thread and wrap in front of the bead and over the wire to anchor the wire. Clip the tag end of the wire.

Step 5: Since the wire is x-small the upright bead can be fragile as is. I use superglue with a brush applicator to secure the bead.

Step 6: Tie in the flashback behind the bead. On this fly UV flash was used instead. Same procedure applies to any body material.

Step 7: Wrap over the wire and flash to 1/4 past the bend of the hook, and then wrap over with the thread back to the front of the bead.

Step 8: Apply a thin layer of super glue over the thread base, and immediately wrap the flash forward with touching wraps to just in front of the bead. Secure with a thread wrap, and cut tag. Then palmer the wire forward. Secure the wire with the thread as well, and cut the tag end.

Step 9: Apply a thin layer of superfine dubbing to the thread

Step 10: Apply a small amount of UV dubbing on top of the superfine for the flashy look.

Step 11: Wrap the dubbing around the bead in figure 8's and if possible do a wrap completely around the bead above the hook. Whip finish in front of the dubbing behind the eye of the hook.

Finished!

This pattern is also effective tied with a stripped peacock herl body and copper wire, or a winter version a blue bead with blue wire. I fish this when I need to give a fish a different midge profile then they are used to seeing.