Bodkin / Patterns

Frostbite Chironomid

Midge · Trout · Grayling · Intermediate · 1 version

Reference Recipe

  • Hook Curved scud/pupa hook, 12-18
  • Thread Black 8/0

Materials

  • Bead Silver bead (1 metal or tungsten bead)
  • Body Black ostrich herl (Tying thread, thin)
  • Rib Red buzzer wrap (1 strand Frostbite)
  • Thorax Peacock ice dub (1-2 herls)
  • Gills White uni stretch (Small tuft of Antron)

How to tie it

  1. Slide a silver bead to the eye, mount the hook and start black thread behind the bead.
  2. Tie in a strand of red Frostbite at the bend for the rib.
  3. Wrap the thread forward in a smooth, thin layer to build a skinny tapered body up to the bead. Keep it thread-thin, chironomids are slim.
  4. Rib the Frostbite forward in 5-7 evenly spaced turns for segmentation and flash, then bind and trim.
  5. Tie in a small tuft of white Antron just behind the bead for gills and trim it short.
  6. Wrap a short peacock herl thorax collar behind the bead and whip finish; a thin coat of UV resin over the body adds shine and armor.

Tying videos

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