Mosquito

Wrap thread onto the hook shank from about 1mm behind the eye to the start of the hook bend. Tie in the hackle material by making two loose wraps followed up with 3 to 5 tight wraps. Continue with additional tight wraps right to the base of the tail.

Tie in the fine wire at the tail/ body junction. Continue wrapping the thread forward to where the body is expected to end. This provides an even base for the body.

Wind wire over the body in evenly spaced wrappings. 6 to 8 winds are needed.

Tie in hackle tips positioned towards the bend of the hook with 2 loose wraps followed up by 3 to 5 tight wraps. The wing's length and position can be adjusted after the loose wraps. The wing should be slanted at a 45° angle to the hook shank.

Select hackle for proper size and desired stiffness. Cut stem at junction with webby and stiff fibers. Strip away fibers exposing 2 to 3mm of stem. Tie in stem with 2 loose wraps to place, followed up with 3 to 5 tight thread wraps. Concave side of hackle is opposite of body.

Wind hackle evenly forward to 1mm behind hook eye. Tie off with 3 to 5 tight thread wraps. Cut off to break away excess hackle. Short or slippery hackles require hackle pliers while long hackles can be wound with fingers.

Whip finish head with 4 to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly and cut off excess thread. Place a drop of head cement on knot and allow it to penetrate both the thread base and hackle stems.

This oldie is still one of the best Alpine lake fly patterns. It simulates a cluster of midges. I fish it in the surface film where I give it a short, quick strip and allow it to rest. The movement draws the fishes attention. This is a must have pattern for the evening rise.