Antonio's Quill Midge Fly

Fishing tiny dry flies can be frustrating when you cannot see them on the water. Antonio's Quill Midge solves this problem with a smart design that catches fish and helps you track the drift. Designed by Umpqua Signature Tyer Antonio Rodrigues, this pattern features a realistic quill body and a high-visibility wing. It is a must-have for anglers who fish technical tailwaters or slow-moving spring creeks. This fly targets trout that are feeding on small insects in the surface film.

What It Imitates

This pattern imitates a midge or small mayfly in the emerger stage. The stripped peacock quill body creates a segmented look that matches the natural insect perfectly. Its curved hook allows the back end of the fly to hang just below the water surface, which looks like a vulnerable insect trying to break free.

How To Use It

Fish this fly on a dead drift in the surface film. It works best with a long leader and light tippet, such as 6X or 7X, to allow a natural presentation. Apply a CDC-friendly gel floatant to the wing and thorax, but let the quill body sink slightly. This posture mimics an emerging insect and triggers strikes from picky trout.

When To Use It

Use this fly when you see fish sipping quietly at the surface. It shines during midge hatches or when small Blue Winged Olives are present. The high-visibility wing makes it an excellent choice for low-light days or when glare makes it hard to see standard small flies.

Why We Like It

We like this fly because it combines realism with visibility. The quill body provides a lifelike silhouette that fools educated trout, while the bright post allows you to detect subtle strikes. It removes the guesswork of fishing size 20 or smaller flies.

Comparisons

Antonio's Quill Midge Fly vs Griffith's Gnat:

The Griffith's Gnat imitates a clump of mating midges rather than a single insect. You should choose the Griffith's Gnat when fish are eating clusters of bugs in choppy water. Choose Antonio's Quill Midge when trout are inspecting individual flies on flat, slow water.

Antonio's Quill Midge Fly vs Zebra Midge:

The Zebra Midge is a nymph pattern designed to be fished below the surface. You use the Zebra Midge to get deep where fish are feeding near the bottom. Switch to Antonio's Quill Midge when fish move up in the water column and start eating bugs on the surface.

Antonio's Quill Midge Fly vs Parachute Adams:

The Parachute Adams is a general searching pattern that looks like many different bugs. It is a great choice when you are not sure what the fish are eating. Antonio's Quill Midge is a specific tool for when fish ignore general patterns and demand a precise midge imitation.