The Buggier Version of the Rusty Duck!
Welcome back to Tying Tuesday! In this week’s episode, we have special guest tyer Travis Hanson back in the studio to tie up something special! Today he is crafting his version of the Rusty Duck he calls the Dirty Duck! His version is a lot more on the buggy side of the original, with it’s super dirty collar! This sexy chironomid is on FIRE! It has a beautiful color transition that tapers softly as you move up towards the head of the fly. This color change gives the chironomid a very natural looking silhouette and a realistic profile. Hanson’s take on the Rusty Duck is solid, and the move to add a collar makes this chironomid something special to have in your Stillwater box. Tie some of these up, and let us know how they work for you! We would love to see your images over on Instagram, and get your feedback and comments on what flies you would like to see next!
Let’s grow this channel and community together!!!
Tips and Tricks:
Fly fishing with chironomid imitations, also known as midge or buzzer imitations, is a highly effective method, especially in still waters like lakes and ponds. Chironomids are a staple food source for trout and other fish species, making them a key pattern in any fly angler’s arsenal. Here are some tips and techniques for fly fishing with chironomids:
Fly Patterns
Chironomid Patterns: Popular patterns include the Zebra Midge, Ice Cream Cone, Bloodworm, and Chromie.
Materials: These flies often use thread or wire for the body, bead heads for weight and added flash, and materials like peacock herl, tinsel, or ribbing to add segmentation. Hooks are usually in the size range of 12 to 20.
Techniques
Vertical Presentation: Chironomids are typically fished vertically, suspended under a strike indicator or with a long leader to allow the fly to drift naturally.
Static Retrieve: Keep the fly as still as possible, occasionally adding slight twitches to imitate the natural movement of midge pupae.
Slow Retrieve: If not using an indicator, use a slow hand-twist retrieve to mimic the natural ascent of chironomid pupae towards the surface.
Suspended Depth: Fish the fly at various depths. Start by setting the indicator to suspend the fly just above the bottom where chironomid larvae and pupae are most commonly found.
Equipment
Rod and Line: A 4 to 6 weight rod with a floating line is generally suitable. For deeper presentations, a sinking or intermediate line may be useful.
Leader and Tippet: Use a long leader, often 12-15 feet, tapered down to 4X to 6X tippet. The length of the leader helps present the fly naturally at different depths.
Locations
Lakes and Ponds: Focus on areas with mud or silt bottoms where chironomid larvae are abundant. Look for drop-offs, shallow flats, and areas near weed beds.
Rivers and Streams: Chironomids can also be effective in slower sections of rivers and streams, particularly in back eddies and pools.
Tips for Success
Observation: Pay attention to what the fish are feeding on and adjust your fly pattern and size accordingly. Look for chironomid shucks on the water’s surface and watch for fish behavior indicating they are feeding on midges.
Patience: Chironomid fishing can require patience. Keeping the fly still and allowing it to drift naturally is often key to success.
Match the Hatch: Use flies that match the size, color, and shape of the natural chironomids in the water. Having a variety of patterns in different sizes and colors can be beneficial.
Multiple Flies: Using a two-fly rig with different chironomid patterns can help determine what the fish are interested in.
Final Thoughts
Fly fishing with chironomid imitations can be highly productive, particularly in still water environments. By understanding the behavior and lifecycle of chironomids and using the appropriate techniques and equipment, you can significantly improve your chances of success. Pay close attention to the water and fish behavior, and adjust your approach as needed to effectively target fish feeding on chironomids.
- Hook: Tiemco TMC2302, Size 14
- Bead: Fulling Mill Tungsten Bead, Size 2.0
- Thread 1: UTC 70D, Yellow
- Wire Rib: UTC Ultra Wire, Small, Gold
- Thread 2: Veevus 14/0, Brown
- UV Resin: Solarez Bone Dry
- Dubbing Collar: Spectra Brown Dubbing, Code 29
Ingredients & Recipe
Check out some of our Shop’s Favorite tools:
- Vise – Dynaking Barracuda Deluxe Pedestal Vise
- Scissors – Kopter ABSOLUTE Blade Micro Serrated Edge Thin Point
- Bodkin – Dr. Slick Jumbo Carbon Fiber Bodkin
- Whip Finisher – Tiemco Midge Whip Finisher
- Tool Kit – Umpqua Dream Stream Plus 7 Piece Fly Tying Tool Kit
