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Diamond Braid Blood Midge
submitted by Elaine Cook

Blood midges are primarily found in still water, and best fished under an indicator. But don't limit this fly to only still-water. It easily can be used to represent a worm and fished under an indicator, or trailed behind a dry fly in moving water. With the Mammoth Fishout just around the corner, include this one in your Crowley box.

Hook:	TMC 2457, size 14-16
Thread:	Red 8/0
Bead:	Red metal bead (Redding Fly Shop has these)
Body:	Midge diamond braid

1. Crimp barb.
2. Thread bead onto hook, position behind eye.
3. Attach thread behind bead, wrap to rear with touching wraps, part way around hook bend.
4. CAREFULLY melt end of diamond braid with candle flame, match, or lighter. Avoid igniting which will make a black tip. This is best accomplished at base of flame.
5. Lay diamond braid on top of shank with end extending to rear, same length as thread wraps that cover shank.
6. Bind braid to shank with only two wraps.
7. Raise up braid, wrap thread forward in touching wraps to mid shank.
8. Repeat steps #6 and #7 to behind bead.
9. Bind braid to shank with only one wrap. Cut excess braid.
10. Half hitch with thread three times, cut thread.