Fly Fishing Chironomids – Three Tips

Chironomids can be an extremely important part of the diet of rainbow trout and other fish species, especially in stillwater. Knowing how to effectively fish chironomid patterns will definitely increase your chances of having a successful day on the lake with the fly rod. Here’s three tips to keep in mind:

Tip #1 – Fish Chironomids In A Tandem

Where legally allowed (you should check your local regulations as in some areas, you may be restricted to one fly), fish chironomids in a tandem of three. In order to do this, you should tie on droppers to your leader, at least six inches apart, so that you end up with two droppers off your leader as well as the end of your leader. The fly that will be on the end of your leader is referred to as the “point fly.”

If you’re an inexperienced caster, you may want to start out with only one dropper as fly casting with multiple flies can be difficult at first.

But, fishing more than one chironomid pattern at a time wil increase your chances of hooking up with a fish. It will be even more exciting for you if you are lucky enough to have a double hook-up!

Tip #2 – Think Slow

Chironomids can move very slowing in the water, and often just allow the currents to move them around as they make their way towards the surface where they will hatch into tiny midges. When fishing chironomids, remember this and fish them accordingly – very very slowly. This may take some patience at first as well as some adjustments in your retrieve.

Often, you can have excellent success with chironomids when giving a sharp pull on the line as part of your retrieve and then simply waiting as the flies settle into the water, and will appear more natural to the fish. Try counting to ten after each sharp and quick strip of your line before stripping again.

You can also use the “figure of eight” retrieve at an extremely slow but constant speed. But whatever you decide, think slow!

Tip #3 – Keep Your Eyes On The Lookout

Keep watching the water surface. If you see the husks of chironomids floating on the surface and small midges emerging, there’s a good chance trout are feeding just under the surface. This is the time to switch to a floating line and long leader with your chironomid tandem or team. The floating line will keep the chironomid patterns up closer to the surface, where the fish are likely to be feeding.

Chironomids are often overlooked by some stillwater fly anglers but they can be hugely effective! Not only that, most chironomid patterns are simple to tie and should be quite sparse. Why not learn more about different fly fishing techniques, and perhaps you’ll discover a passion for fly tying as well.

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