Modern Midges

[Wellman 0]

I was wonder about buying this book. It looks like a stillwater fisherman's must have book.

 

So I was just wondering if it is worth the buy.

[jimk 0]

It contains a LOT of patterns and useful info, if you fish year-round it is very helpful.

[redquill 0]

Yep, highly recommended. I have one myself.

Patterns and recipes are nice, for myself, the best part is the life cycle and behavior and it has them all.

[JSzymczyk 0]

I'm thinkin' NINE HUNDRED midge patterns is a little bit of :bs:

 

I looked through it in Borders, and it IS a nice book, with lots of good info and ideas. A little hook with a couple wraps of thread and a wisp of fuzz is pretty much the same, no matter if you tie it 900 ways.

 

Just my opinion, and you know how those are.... Plus, I'm wrong a lot, just ask my wife!

[Wellman 0]

if you fish year-round it is very helpful.

 

I wish.

 

 

900 flies!!! You got to be kidding.

 

I know what you mean Joel, they all do kinda look a like, but I'm really after the info. The patterns are just an extra.

 

So with 900 flies and the information given in the book I'm pretty sure I'm going to pick up a copy.

 

[whatfly 0]

For stillwater, I personally think Phil Rowley's book is the one "must have" text. Modern Midges is nice, but as pointed out, midge patterns aren't exactly rocket science.

[BassBugs3366 0]

This is a must have book for both stillwater and stream fishing. There are about 1000 midge patterns in the book from all over the world. The book retails for $39.95 and you can get it for less on Amazon.com.

[SilverDoctor 0]

The book is certainly useful, but overpriced and much too long. There are a lot of wasted pages, because the author chose to illustrate and provide photos and recipes for multiple color variations of many of the patterns. That's completely unnecessary for the group of flytiers who will want to purchase the book.

 

Besides, if you're really interested in midge patterns (especially for stillwaters), you ought to be reading British books and periodicals.

[halcyon 0]

As they say, "the devil is in the details". Once you get past the number of patterns you will find a wealth of information on the midge life cycle, types of patterns for each stage of their life cycle, and how to tie each style of midge pattern popular today. In addition, there is another portion of the book with the thoughts on tying and fishing midges by 23 midge gurus from around the world. The cost of the book is small in comparison to the value within its covers IMHO. You can see my review of the book here <http://www.beaucatcher.com/Book_Page_20.html#Modern_Midges>

[maddog48 0]

I got it and have just thumbed thru it. I love tying and fishing midges and from what little I've seen of the book so far, there are some patterns that will be in my midge boxes from now on. I got mine at Barnes and Noble and paid about $30 for it and that included shipping.

 

 

Mike

[flytire 0]

if you like repetition of patterns, then you will like this book. i was asked for some patterns but i opted out. none of the patterns are earth shaking or ground breaking. just my 2 cents.

 

Besides, if you're really interested in midge patterns (especially for stillwaters), you ought to be reading British books and periodicals.

 

absolutely accurate.

 

brian chan patterns come to mind.

[Horseshoes 0]

Oh ye of little faith..... Anyways..HAPPY NEW YEARS!!!!!!

[Flyserious 0]

My first post here so hello to everyone. I purchased this book and think it is great but then I fish midges often. This book is a complilation of midge patterns from all over and it just saves time in not having to look in different places.

Mitch

[993guy 0]

I too am a new member to this Forum, but a long time fly fisherman and tier (46 years). I have read the book, Modern Midges, and I think it is a great resource for those who fly fish.

 

From what I understand, there are midge patterns and articles from 8 Countries and over 20 US States represented in the book and over 175 tiers and authors (including Phil Rowley's and Brian Chan's patterns and lake and stream patterns form Britain and eastern Europe). A great resource for the most prevalent bug on the face of the earth! Remember that midges are not just small flies, they are a separate species. If you think there is a "caddis midge or a beatis midge or a mysis midge"... you need to get this book and read it.

 

If you don't fish or tie midges, you should! I don't go fishing without a box or two of midge patterns in my vest, because at any one time there are 50 to 150 species of midges in all bodies of water all over the world. That's a lot of colors and sizes of bugs. In my research and reading about aquatic insects, it is estimated that at least 50% the insect life in any given lake or stream is composed of midges. In our fishing streams and lakes, Midges hatch every day, all year long from Arctic waters to hot springs.

 

When I fish lakes or streams with two flies, 90% of the time I use a midge as my primary or secondary fly. Pupal patterns are the most effective as fish key on this emergent life stage.

 

Get the book and read it, select some patterns and tie them up. I too noticed that there are several patterns that are repeated to show different colors. I personally like to see those color variations and those variations allow me to be selective as to which one(s) to tie.

 

IMHO this book is NOT "bs" as someone indicated, open your mind and your net will get wet!

[WYKnot 0]

To the initial question "...is it worth the buy...?", yes, if you want to expand your knowledge of midges and midge patterns.