The Crippled Midge

The Crippled Midge, Stan Headley is recognised as being responsible for its development, nothing stays secret long though and its spread south of the border and onto the English reservoir scene was inevitable. The crippled midge sits low in the water and sits in the surface film. It’s a very good generic pattern that simulates most hatches on most of our UK waters. Some folks prefer to tie this with a little of the post protruding from the rear to make a tail. I have purposely not done this so that the butt section of the fly sits just below the surface.

[@lawrencemacd63]

Another cracking fly Lindsay I need to find time! To get my fly tying kit set up all the best of gear from farlowes box lamp dyna king vice tinsel’s cape seals fur hare’s ear you name it I have it cost me a fortune easily £2000g’s worth up my loft 🐟🎣😁

[@lindsayiflyfish]

It is difficult unless you have a dedicated space where you can sit down and just tie one or two flies. I am currently setting up and putting away in the dinning room and it is not much fun.

[@mazman8343]

lovely a lot like the Bob's bits nice pattern

[@lindsayiflyfish]

Very effective on the Stillwater scene.

[@mikekuczynski1552]

Nice , can never have to many midge patterns

[@lindsayiflyfish]

Very effective this one pal.

[@michaelshaw8370]

This big red is a wee broon. I am tying some up using h230’s as I have them in 10, 12, &14s. Only have the 250 in size 8 for fabs so far the 260 is also a heavier wire hook black nickel not bronze like the 250

[@lindsayiflyfish]

Pays to tie them in varying sizes.

[@valt888]

Nice fly, I’m buying a vise and do you think it matters having a rotating vise (i mean one that keeps your hook same level when u spin) or just the one that spins but doesnt keep it level. So far I’ve been tying with a broken one that doesnt spin and keeps moving when I put thread around 😅

[@lindsayiflyfish]

Hi Pal, The thing with fly tying vices is they are a bit like cars, you can buy a banger for £100 quid that will get you to the shops but if you want aircon and other bits and bobs you need to spend more. If you are on the vice a lot I would suggest that a rotary vice would be a sound investment. Its not essential for tying good flies but it certainly helps a lot.

[@valt888]

@@lindsayiflyfish thanks

[@glideman]

Nice fly Lindsay 👌

[@lindsayiflyfish]

Thanks buddy.

[@jameshughes9234]

Good fly sir, but I can't understand the need to glue the thread to the shank. When you have wax there, I only ever glue my pike flies, just because of their teeth.

[@lindsayiflyfish]

Thanks James, the reason is the thread I am using is super slippy and even using wax it can slip and you end up with rotation on the shank of the hook. With the spot of superglue it is rock solid. It is one of the disadvantages of using this type of tying silk. For me though the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Hope that make sense.