Beadhead Zebra Midge Rust

The Bead Head Zebra Midge Rust imitates the larval stage of midges—tiny aquatic insects that are a staple food source for trout, especially in cold, clear waters. The bead head adds weight, helping the fly sink quickly into the feeding zone, while the slender, segmented body mimics the natural appearance and behavior of midge larvae. The rust color closely resembles natural midge hues found in sediment-rich or tannin-stained waters.

History:
The Zebra Midge was first developed in the 1990s in the tailwaters of the American West, particularly the San Juan River in New Mexico. It quickly gained popularity due to its simplicity, versatility, and effectiveness in clear, heavily fished waters. The addition of a bead head improved its performance by helping it reach depth quickly, and color variations like rust and red were introduced to better match local midge populations. Today, the Bead Head Zebra Midge is considered a must-have fly for year-round trout fishing.