Midge

Bloodworm

Midge larva imitation

TroutSubsurface

A slim, translucent red thread on a small hook, imitating the chironomid larvae that carpet the bottom of every stillwater worth fishing. Fish it dead slow — static under an indicator or inching along with the gentlest figure-of-eight. It is unglamorous work, but when trout are grubbing along the mud in winter, nothing else comes close.

Fish this when

Winter and early spring on stillwaters when bloodworm larvae are the main food source at depth. Fish on a slow sinking line, near the bottom.

Why it works

Red/crimson body matches the actual larva. Small outline works in crystal-clear water. Dead-drifting near lake bed triggers sustained feeding.

Naturals it imitates