The Best Anglers Never Stop Learning

The Best Anglers Never Stop Learning

Nymph

Tak’s Crystal Chironomid

Insect Species Icon Midges
Difficulty Icon Easy - 5-7 Min
Water Category Icon Coldwater

Tying Video

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Tying Recipe
  • Hook: Straight Eye, Standard Wire, 3X Long, Semi-Dropped Point
  • Thread: UTC 70 Denier, Black
  • Body: Midge Tubing, Clear
  • Casing: Holographic Flashabou, Blue and Red
  • Gills: Antron, White

This chironomid pattern is a great stillwater pattern, but couldn’t be overlooked for some of the stingy tailwaters in the West. It should be tied mostly according to the recipe, but does have one solid substitution option.

Gills: Any of the common Antron substitution will do the job. Zelon is always a fail safe in those situations.

Although the original clear color of this fly really sets it apart, feel free to change out tubing colors to vary the fly to your liking. Be reluctant to change the flashabou colors, as the blue is important so that the fish can see it in very deep water, and the red is just an awesome choice for any chironomid pattern. Have some variation in the sizes you choose to keep in your box.

Without a doubt, the most important parts of this fly in terms of a fish deciding to eat it is the blue flashabou, and the clear midge tubing. The blue flashabou will keep that fly visible to the fish no matter where it is in the water column. The clear midge tubing will give it a translucent appearance, just like the real deal bugs.

Anytime you’re on a stillwater it’s a good idea to have a variety of these with you, but they’ll attract the same attention in moving water as well. These bugs can work wonders during the Winter months, and on picky fish. Fishing this pattern deep in stillwater, or on a river, will provide the best results. Be aware that some split shot, heavier flies in a nymph rig, or both will be necessary to weigh this fly down.

Midges

Regional Hatch Chart Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Region: West, Northwest, East, Southeast, Midwest
Midges
Sizes: #14 - #26

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