The Scooter Midge is a local pattern originally tied by local guide Matthew Guinn, aka “Scooter”. This is a great all around suggestive fly to have in the box in a handful of colors. It can imitate a midge, scud, mayfly nymph, caddis nymph, or just about any small bug in the river.
The pattern calls for an optional tail of Midge sized Krystal Flash. This can be omitted to save time, however you can also tie it in and remove it on-stream if you’re so inclined. I often fish more subdued patterns and generally fish it more often without the tail than with… but it is nice to have ever so often. If you include the tail, Matthew cuts his “three crinkels back”.
Check out Matthew Guinn here at Bristol Anglers LLC
Read his backstory in more detail in Garden & Gun
Listen to our podcast episode with Scooter on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or YouTube
Materials List:
Hook: TMC 2488H – 18
Bead: Tungsten Bead - Countersunk, 2.0mm, Copper
Thread: Uni Thread 8/0 - Natural Dun
Tail: Midge Flash - Pearl
Body: D-Rib (Small) Olive Brown
Alternate Materials:
Hook Alternative: TMC 2488, TMC 2487, TMC 2457
Bead Alternative: Countersunk Tungsten Bead - 1.5mm, 2.0mm; Copper, Silver, Black Nickel
Thread Alternative: Semperfli 12/0 Classic Waxed – Brown Olive
Thread Alternative: Uni 8/0 – Olive, Lt. Olive
Body Alternative: D-Rib (Small) – Olive, Grey, Amber, Tan, Brown, Rust, Root Beer