Bodkin / Patterns

Chironomid Pupa

Midge · Trout · Grayling · Intermediate · 2 versions

Reference Recipe

  • Hook Curved scud/pupa hook (e.g. TMC 2457), 12-18
  • Thread Black 8/0

Materials

  • Body Black ostrich herl (Tying thread, built and coated)
  • Rib Silver metal tape (Fine wire or pearl flash)
  • Thorax Peacock/black flex floss (One turn of peacock herl or dubbing)
  • Gills White uni stretch (Small tuft of Antron or poly at the head)

How to tie it

  1. Mount the hook and start the thread, winding down around the bend.
  2. Bind in the fine rib, then build a slim, smooth thread abdomen forward to the 70% mark.
  3. Spiral the rib forward in 5-6 even turns for segmentation and tie off.
  4. Add a turn of peacock herl or a pinch of dubbing at the front for the thorax.
  5. Tie in a small, short tuft of white Antron over the eye as breathing gills, keeping it stubby.
  6. Whip finish, then give the abdomen a thin coat of UV resin for the pupa's translucent sheen.

Other versions

1 more in the app: Beadhead.

Tying videos

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