How to Tie the Zucchini Chironomid

Producer: Fly Fish Food

If you’re into stillwater fishing for trout, you need plenty of Chironomid imitations. In this week’s fly-tying video, Cade Moore from Fly Fish Food walks us through the steps to create a simple midge pattern that’s all about contrast—the bright bead and red wire play against the dark body. Here’s what Cade has to say about the Zucchini Chironomid:

This is a great fly and is one of my favorite confidence patterns on any still water. . . . The tinsel on this fly really is what makes this fly great, and it seems like fish can’t get enough of it. I have fished this fly in all conditions throughout the year and it has always been a constant performer. I tie this from size 14-18 with 16 being my most common size. Whether you are looking for a great searching/confidence pattern to add to your box or just something a little different I promise this fly won’t disappoint!

Zucchini Chironomid
Hook: 2X-heavy black-nickel Czech-nymph hook (here a Fulling Mill 5067), size 14.
Bead: Fluorescent white bead, 5/32-inch.
Thread: Black, 8/0 or 70-denier.
Rib: Red wire, .2mm or small.
Underbody: Black thread.
Body: Black Holographic Tinsel, medium.
Head: Black thread.
Resin: Solarez Bone Dry PLUS.
Tools: Dubbing whirl, feather prepper, Swiss CDC clamp.