Bodkin / Patterns

Mighty Mite Chironomid Pupa

Nymph · Midge · Stillwater · Trout · Intermediate · 1 version

BCFlyguys

  • Hook Togen scud hook, 18
  • Thread fluorescent green (limey version) 70 denier

Materials

  • Bead Black nickel bead (1/16 inch)
  • Rib Red buzzer wrap (extra small ultra wire)
  • Gills Pearl white core braid (Sally Hansen pearl nail polish, dabbed on)
  • Finish (superglue)

How to tie it

  1. Slide a 1/16 black nickel bead onto a size 18 scud hook and start fluorescent green 70 denier thread behind it. This is a thread-bodied fly, so keep the bobbin spinning to keep the thread flat and the profile slim.
  2. Tuck extra small red ultra wire in behind the bead and wrap it back a little way into the bend.
  3. Spin the bobbin again and come back up, finishing a very subtle taper. At this size any bulk shows.
  4. Rib forward with the red wire. On a fly this small five or six turns is plenty; you do not need the usual seven.
  5. Secure the wire, twist it off and go straight into a whip finish. A couple of turns is all it needs.
  6. Dab a spot of pearl nail polish on top of the bead with a bodkin for gills, let it dry, then coat the body with superglue. The tyer added the painted gills a couple of seasons ago and says they earned him a lot of fish.

Tying videos

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