Bodkin / Patterns

Chrome Chironomid

Midge · Trout · Intermediate · 1 version

Classic Recipe

  • Hook Curved scud/pupa hook (Daiichi 1760 or TMC 2457), 12-18
  • Thread Black (red butt/head) 8/0 (70 denier)

Materials

  • Bead White or silver bead (optional) (1)
  • Body Silver/chrome holographic tinsel or Flashabou (1 length)
  • Rib Fine black wire (optional) (1 length)
  • Butt/head Red thread or wire (as needed)
  • Gills White Antron or poly (small tuft)
  • Coating UV resin (as needed)

How to tie it

  1. Optionally slide a white bead to the eye to imitate the pupa's gills. Lay a slim black thread base to the bend.
  2. Tie in the chrome/silver holographic tinsel and wrap a bright, slim body forward, keeping it thin, chironomids are very slender.
  3. Optionally counter-rib with fine black wire for segmentation.
  4. Build a small red thread butt at the rear and/or a red thread collar/head, the classic 'chromie' red accent.
  5. Tie in a short tuft of white Antron as gills behind the eye/bead and trim stubby.
  6. Whip finish and coat the whole body with a thin layer of UV resin for a durable, glassy, gas-bubble sheen (leave the gills unglued).
  7. The chrome body imitates the reflective gas bubble under a hatching pupa's shuck.

Tying videos

← All fly patterns