Knowles Midge

Knowles Midge is a fly pattern designed by Dr. David Knowles, a passionate fly tier who first created these tailwater midges over 25 years ago. Dr. Knowles spent years perfecting the design of the midge, testing them on trout throughout the western United States, where they quickly became a favorite for anglers fishing in tailwater environments. The pattern’s success was built on its ability to effectively mimic the small, vulnerable midges trout feed on during hatches. By the time of his passing in the summer of 2022, Dr. Knowles was producing an impressive 50,000 of these midges annually for 11 shops around the country. His legacy lives on in this effective and widely used midge pattern, cherished by anglers for its ability to catch fish in various tailwaters.

Fish in the lower to mid-water column – The Knowles Midge is best fished in the lower or middle portions of the water column, where midge pupae are often found just before they reach the surface. Use a slow retrieve or let the fly sink naturally under an indicator to keep it at the right depth for fish feeding on midges.