MidgesFamily Chironomidae

Midges

Family Chironomidae
Peak: December–MarchTrue flyYear-round

Tiny two-winged flies that hatch every month of the year. In winter they're often the only thing hatching, and trout feed on the pupae and clustered adults in slow water.

Best flies for midges on this river

Zebra Midge
Below an indicator or as a dropper
Griffith's Gnat
Clustered midges on the surface
Brassie
Slow, deep runs in winter

More on the Deschutes River