Fly Tying Inventory
Chironomid (Chromie)
The essential PNW stillwater pattern. Imitates midge pupae suspended in the water column. Deadly when fished under an indicator in lakes.
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Materials
Scud/midge hook, size 10-16
Silver glass or tungsten bead, 2.4mm
Black 8/0
Black thread (the thread IS the body)
Silver wire, small
Peacock herl, 2 strands
White Antron yarn or poly yarn, sparse tuft
How to Tie the Chironomid (Chromie)
- 1
Step 1
Slide a glass or metal bead onto the scud hook and secure in the vise.
- 2
Step 2
Start thread behind the bead. Tie in a small tuft of white Antron yarn behind the bead for gills. Trim short.
- 3
Step 3
Wrap thread back to the bend in smooth, even turns.
- 4
Step 4
Tie in fine silver wire at the bend for the rib.
- 5
Step 5
Wrap thread forward in smooth layers to build a slightly tapered body — thin at the tail, thicker at the thorax.
- 6
Step 6
Wrap the wire rib forward in 5-7 evenly spaced turns. Tie off behind the bead.
- 7
Step 7
Tie in 2 strands of peacock herl. Wrap 2-3 turns behind the bead to form the thorax.
- 8
Step 8
Whip finish. Apply a coat of UV resin or head cement over the body for shine and durability.
Watch Tying Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0s-ndm-dqA
Credit: Traditional PNW pattern