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Technical reviewed side profile illustration of Top Secret Midge showing curved pupa hook, contrasting white thread rib, small sparkle wing, rusty-brown thoraxIllustrated reference

Emerger · guide 30

Top Secret Midge

Pat Dorsey's tiny brown midge emerger with a white thread rib, sparkle-organza wing, and rusty thorax.

Common size
#20–26
Common colors
dark brown, white rib and wing, rusty-brown thorax
Imitates
midge emerger, small midge pupa near the film
How to recognize it

The reviewed form uses a dark-brown thread body, contrasting white thread rib, small white sparkle wing, and rusty-brown thorax on a curved pupa hook.

Technical reviewed side profile illustration of Top Secret Midge showing curved pupa hook, contrasting white thread rib, small sparkle wing, rusty-brown thorax
Illustrated reference

Top Secret Midge reviewed side profile

A schematic profile emphasizing curved pupa hook and contrasting white thread rib.

View
reviewed side profile
Color shown
dark brown body, white rib and wing, rusty thorax
Look for
curved pupa hook; contrasting white thread rib; small sparkle wing; rusty-brown thorax
Open full-size image ↗

On the water

Know when and how to fish it.

Use these tips as a starting point. The river, depth, insects, and fish behavior still decide the final presentation.

01

When to use it

  • When tailwater trout key on tiny midge emergers.
  • From subsurface drift up into the film.
02

How to fish it

  • Dead-drift, swing gently, or suspend in the film.
  • Keep the pattern sparse.
03

Mistakes to avoid

  • Omitting the contrasting rib and keeping the exact name.
  • Fishing it only on the bottom when fish take emergers.

Common variations

Small changes can make a different fly.

Three reviewed technical illustrations show the identifying profile, construction, and fishing orientation. They are schematic field-guide aids, not photographs.

Reviewed core form

The reviewed form uses a dark-brown thread body, contrasting white thread rib, small white sparkle wing, and rusty-brown thorax on a curved pupa hook.
Colors shown
dark brown, white rib and wing, rusty-brown thorax
Weighting
Weighting is identified when it defines the reviewed form; other bead or weight choices remain labeled variants.

Related patterns

Mercury Midge ↗RS2 ↗Midge Patterns by Stage ↗

How this guide was checked

Fly information and photo sources.

Guide checked on 2026-07-12. Every image has its own source and usage record. Natural insects and hand-tied flies can vary in shape and proportion.

Pattern sources

Orvis NewsHow to Tie the Top Secret Midge↗

Image credits