Hanson's Valhalla Chironomid

Materials

How to Tie the Hanson's Valhalla Chironomid

1. 1

   Step 1

   Slide the MFC Tungsten Bean bead (1/8, Black Nickel) onto the Tiemco 201R hook and secure in the vise. Start UTC 140D gray thread behind the bead.

   The TMC 201R is a long-shank hook that gives the chironomid a realistic elongated profile.

2. 2

   Step 2

   Tie in a small tuft of Hareline Sparkle Emerger Yarn at the bead area to form the gills. Trim short so they extend just past the bead.

   Chironomid gills are a key trigger — keep them wispy and short.

3. 3

   Step 3

   Wrap the 140D gray thread rearward to the bend, building a smooth, slightly tapered underbody.

4. 4

   Step 4

   At the bend, tie in the Semperfli Iridescent Thread in pearl for the first rib, and the Hareline Vinyl D-Rib in small brown for the second rib.

5. 5

   Step 5

   Switch to or tie in the UTC 70D Rusty Brown thread. Build the body by wrapping the rusty brown thread forward in tight, touching wraps to create the body color.

   The dual-thread technique creates a color transition and segmented appearance.

6. 6

   Step 6

   Wrap the pearl iridescent thread forward as the first rib in evenly spaced spirals. Tie off behind the bead.

   The iridescent rib catches light and mimics the natural sheen of chironomid pupae.

7. 7

   Step 7

   Wrap the brown D-Rib forward as the second rib, spacing it between the first rib wraps. Tie off behind the bead.

   The D-Rib adds a realistic segmented look and additional texture.

8. 8

   Step 8

   Tie in one or two brown ostrich plume fibers and wrap a sparse turn or two behind the bead to form legs.

   Ostrich plumes have incredible movement in the water — perfect for imitating chironomid legs.

9. 9

   Step 9

   Whip finish behind the bead and trim. Apply head cement or UV resin to the body if desired for durability.

   Fish this pattern under a slip indicator, suspended 1-2 feet off the bottom in 10-20 feet of water.