Jiggy Zebra Midge TB - Black

The Most Famous Tailwater Midge Pattern — Now on a Jig Hook

The Jiggy Zebra Midge TB in Black is a tungsten bead jigged version of the legendary Zebra Midge — one of the most productive tailwater midge patterns ever tied. Developed on the San Juan River in New Mexico and proven on tailwaters across the American West, the Zebra Midge's black thread body and silver wire ribbing create a slim, segmented profile that perfectly imitates the midge pupae that trout feed on year-round in Colorado's coldest, clearest rivers.

On the Frying Pan, Roaring Fork, and Colorado River, midges are the most consistent food source available to trout in every season — especially in winter and early spring when other hatches are absent. The tungsten jig bead gets this fly to depth fast, and the jig hook rides point-up through the drift for fewer snags and better hookup rates. Size #20 is right in the heart of the midge size range for Colorado's technical tailwaters.

Pattern Details

• Style: Jigged tungsten bead midge pupa imitation
• Color: Black with silver wire ribbing (Zebra Midge)
• Size available: #20
• Bead: Tungsten jig bead — fast sink rate, rides hook point-up
• Body: Black thread with silver wire rib — slim, segmented midge profile
• Hook: Jig hook — reduces snags, improves hookups
• Imitates midge pupae — the most consistent food source on Colorado tailwaters
• Effective on the Frying Pan, Roaring Fork, Colorado River, and most Colorado tailwaters
• Works year-round; essential in winter and early spring

How to Fish It

Dead-drift on a tight line or under an indicator at depth through seams, runs, and the heads of pools where midges concentrate. Keep the drift as natural as possible — midge pupae drift passively and trout are conditioned to eat them without hesitation. Fish it as a single fly or pair it with a Walt's Worm, RS2, or Baetis nymph as a dropper in a two-fly rig. On the Frying Pan, fish it through the deep slots and runs below the dam where midge populations are highest.

Available in store at Glenwood Springs Outdoors, 831 Grand Ave, Glenwood Springs, CO.