Tying Tiny Flies Midges, Tricos and Baetis are all significant parts of the trout diet. Midges are abundant on virtually every type of trout water and, at some times of the year, midges are the only food source that will bring trout to the surface. Tricos hatch on both lakes and slow-moving streams in prodigious numbers. Baetis (blue wing olives) hatch on many western rivers, but frequently are also present near the inlets of lakes where minimal current exists because they drift down stream into the head of a lake. All are tiny and all can be imitated by dry flies that are easy to tie in small sizes and remarkably effective in catching fish. The secret to tying # 18-22 flies lies in finding simple patterns and durable materials. Because the naturals are often found in quiet, glassy water, tiny flies must be reasonably imitative in size and profile. While color is less important, it too can be matched with little difficulty. In this class we will be tying three tiny patterns, each in size #20. We will also discuss the best materials (and alternatives) and reviewing angling circumstances and methods. Trico/Baetis Spinner Trico Spinner Baetis Spinner Hook: Tiemco 100, Daiichi 1170 or similar Size 18-22 Thread: Black or Olive 8/0 Tail: Crystal flash grey hackle fibers, microfibbets (or a zelon shuck) Wings: Grey straight zelon Abdomen: Black or olive thread for baetis, olive for trico Thorax: Black, dark olive superfine dubbing for baetis, /brown superfine dubbing for trico NOTE: By varying the size and body color of this fly, we can match both female trico (#18) and baetis (#20) spinners. This pattern also works well during midge hatches.