Massacre Midge

Massacre Midge is a fly pattern designed by Umpqua Signature Tier Matt McCannel, created to provide more detail and realism than traditional midge patterns. Matt developed the Massacre Midge after realizing that fish, especially in technical tailwater environments, could be fooled more easily with a fly that has more segmentation and movement. The Massacre Midge features a segmented body that mimics the natural appearance of midges, with a small veil of dubbing that adds movement to the fly. The foam head ensures the fly rides upright in the surface film, just like the naturals do during their emergence. This design has proven particularly effective at fooling double-digit tailwater trout, especially when fishing mid-depths and near the surface during midge hatches.

Fish in the mid-water column for emerging pupae – The Massacre Midge is most effective when fished in the middle of the water column. Adjust your rig to suspend the fly just below the surface or near the upper middle section of the water column, where emerging midges are often found. This positioning mimics the natural behavior of midge pupae rising to the surface, increasing your chances of attracting trout that are keying in on emerging insects.