Chironomid Pupa

Created by Randall Kauffmann

HOOK: 900BL, sizes 10-20 THREAD: Black TAIL: Clear Antron ANTENNAE (GILLS): Same as tail RIB: White silk thread ABDOMEN: Black turkey biot; keep smooth and slender THORAX: Peacock herl WING: Grizzly hen hackle tips

Uses

Imitates the pupa of a chironomid (midge). Although midges are usually associated with lake fishing, hatches are also common in many rivers. That "mystery" hatch you've experienced at dusk on your favorite river may be a midge hatch.

Variations

Vary the hook size and body color to match the natural insects. Common body colors are: black, gray, gray-olive, red, tan, dark brown. Most midges matched with hook size between 16 and 22, but some desert lakes have a spring hatch of midges that are size 10 and 12.

How to Fish

In lakes, use the static midge, deep midge, or slow retrieve presentations. On rivers, use the shallow nymph presentation.