Bodkin / Patterns

Chan's Black Holographic Chironomid Pupa

Midge · Trout · Intermediate · 1 version

Classic Recipe

  • Hook Curved scud/pupa hook (Tiemco 2457/2487), 10-16
  • Thread Black 8/0 (70 denier)

Materials

  • Body Black holographic Mylar/tinsel (1 length)
  • Rib Fine silver or red wire (1 length)
  • Thorax Black thread or peacock (as needed)
  • Gills White Antron or poly (small tuft)

How to tie it

  1. Start thread behind the eye and lay a smooth thread base to the bend. A slim, even underbody is essential for a realistic chironomid.
  2. Tie in the wire rib, then tie in the black holographic Mylar by one end.
  3. Wrap the holographic Mylar forward in slightly overlapping turns to build a slim, shiny, tapered body, and tie off short of the eye. The holographic sheen imitates the gas trapped under the pupal shuck.
  4. Counter-wrap the wire rib in 5-6 evenly spaced turns for segmentation and durability, then tie off.
  5. Build a small black thorax just behind the eye.
  6. Tie in a short tuft of white Antron on top as gills, trim it stubby, whip finish and coat the body with a thin layer of UV resin or head cement for extra shine and toughness (leave the gills unglued).

Tying videos

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