Zucchini Chironomid

Materials

How to Tie the Zucchini Chironomid

1. 1

   Step 1

   Slide the Spirit River Hot Bead (7/64, Pearl White) onto the Tiemco 201R hook and secure in the vise. Start the UTC 70D black thread behind the bead.

   The pearl white bead imitates the air bubble trapped inside a chironomid pupa during emergence.

2. 2

   Step 2

   Wrap a smooth thread base back to the bend of the hook.

3. 3

   Step 3

   Tie in the UTC Ultra Wire in red, small, at the bend for the rib.

4. 4

   Step 4

   Tie in the Veevus Holographic Black Tinsel at the bend.

5. 5

   Step 5

   Wrap the holographic tinsel forward in touching wraps to create a smooth, flashy body. Tie off behind the bead.

   Keep the tinsel wraps tight and even — the holographic finish creates the signature dark, shimmering look.

6. 6

   Step 6

   Wrap the red wire rib forward in evenly spaced spirals over the tinsel body. Tie off and trim.

   The red rib is a key trigger — chironomids often show red banding from their hemoglobin-rich bodies.

7. 7

   Step 7

   Apply a thin coat of RaidZap or Solarez UV resin over the entire body. Cure with a UV light.

   The resin adds durability and a glossy, translucent finish that mimics the natural sheen of chironomid pupae.

8. 8

   Step 8

   Dub a small collar of Hends Spectra Dub 295 in red behind the bead. Pick out a few fibers.

   The red collar serves as a thorax hotspot — keep it small and neat.

9. 9

   Step 9

   Whip finish behind the bead and trim the thread.

   Fish under a slip indicator, suspended just off the bottom. Sizes 12-14 work best in early spring.