Fly Tying Inventory
Crystal Chironomid
A flashy chironomid pattern featuring clear tubing over holographic tinsel for a translucent, crystal-like body that imitates the gas-bubble stage of ascending midge pupae. Originally designed by Tak, this pattern is deadly during chironomid hatches when trout are focused on pupae rising through the water column.
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Materials
TMC 200R or similar curved midge hook, sizes 10-16
Black UTC 70 or Danville's 70D
White Antron or Uni Stretch
Blue holographic tinsel or Flashabou
Clear midge tubing or Stretch Magic
Red holographic Flashabou (optional)
UV resin (Loon or Solarez) for durability
How to Tie the Crystal Chironomid
- 1
Step 1
Attach thread behind the eye and wrap a smooth base back to about three hook-eye lengths behind the eye.
- 2
Step 2
Tie in a small bunch of white Antron for gills, sticking slightly past the hook eye.
- 3
Step 3
Tie in blue holographic tinsel along the top of the hook shank, extending rearward.
- 4
Step 4
Attach clear midge tubing at the rear of the hook. Wrap thread back toward the bend, then bring forward.
- 5
Step 5
Wrap the tubing forward with slightly overlapping turns to just behind the eye, letting the blue tinsel show through for the 'crystal' effect. Secure and trim.
The holographic tinsel visible through the clear tubing creates the signature translucent look.
- 6
Step 6
Pull blue holographic tinsel forward as a back/casing. Secure behind the eye and trim.
- 7
Step 7
Optionally tie in thin strips of red holographic Flashabou on each side as cheeks. Pull forward, secure, and trim.
- 8
Step 8
Build a neat black thread head immediately behind the gills. Whip finish.
- 9
Step 9
Coat the head and body with UV resin for durability and shine. Cure with UV light.
Watch Tying Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wh4cVZX-tsA
Credit: Tak / In the Riffle