Fly Tying Inventory
Ice Cream Cone Chironomid
A simple yet deadly chironomid pupa pattern distinguished by its white bead head that mimics the natural gas bubble or gills of an emerging midge pupa. The Ice Cream Cone is a staple in Western Canadian and Pacific Northwest stillwater fly boxes, effective year-round under indicators or on long leaders.
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Materials
Curved scud/pupa hook sizes 10-18 (Daiichi 1120 or similar)
White glass, brass, or tungsten bead sized to hook (5/64" for #18, 3/32" for #14-16, 7/64" for #10-12)
70 Denier / 8/0, black
Black thread wraps building a taper (or black floss / flashabou)
Fine red copper wire or pearl tinsel
Sally Hansen's Hard as Nails or UV resin for shine and durability
How to Tie the Ice Cream Cone Chironomid
- 1
Step 1
Pinch the hook barb, slide the white bead onto the hook, and place in the vise.
- 2
Step 2
Start wrapping thread immediately behind the bead.
- 3
Step 3
Tie in the ribbing material (red wire or pearl tinsel) behind the bead and secure along the full shank to keep the underbody even.
Running the rib material along the bottom of the shank helps build a smoother body.
- 4
Step 4
Continue wrapping thread back to the bend, keeping ribbing material along the bottom.
- 5
Step 5
Wrap the thread forward, building a slight taper toward the bead to form the body.
- 6
Step 6
Wind the ribbing forward in even, open spirals. Secure near the bead and trim excess.
- 7
Step 7
Build a small, neat thread collar behind the bead.
- 8
Step 8
Whip finish. Apply a thin coat of Sally Hansen's Hard as Nails or UV resin over the body for durability and sheen.
Red ribbing is classic, but silver and pearl are excellent alternatives.
Watch Tying Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiHlPRoSfsE
Credit: Various BC Stillwater Tyers