Black Beauty #18

The Black Beauty is a classic midge pattern on a size 18 hook. Its simple black body with a touch of flash has fooled selective trout for decades, imitating the midge larvae found in nearly every trout stream.

Fish it deep on a nymph rig, under an indicator, or as a dropper behind a dry fly. It is a year-round pattern, but especially valuable in winter and on technical tailwaters where midges are the main event.