Don's Beaded Chironomid Nymph

Fishing Tips

Chironomid to Canadian Trout are what Buzzers are to UK Trout!

Creator of this trout fly: Don Haaheim

Tier of this trout fly Type: Don Haaheim

Country of origin for this trout fly: Canada

This trout fly is designed on and fished on Still Water,

Pattern Dressings

Start by crimping the hook barb in order to slide the small glass bead through to the fly head. Next, wrap 6 or 7 turns of fine lead wire next to the glass bead. I have some small transformers taken from old radio equipment that feature very fine copper wire in the windings. Tie in a piece of such wire behind the lead and then a piece of black wool, cinching it down at the hook bend. Other materials and colours can be used for the body but I find black wool produces as well as anything else! The key is to use a very thin amount so that the body, at least to the lead wrap, is extremely slender. After winding the wool to the bead, counter wrap the fine copper wire to form a rib and tie off at the glass bead. Cement and you are finished! This year, I have had more success with a clear or white bead rather than a customary red bead. Why? Could it be that the white bead resembles chironomid gills or is the flash of a clear bead irresistible to those giant White Lake rainbows? Try it yourself and find out!