Welcome to Talk & Tie Tuesday with Kyle – The Man, The Myth, Our Bearded Legend! We’re continuing our special Fly Tying March: Talk & Tie Q&A Sessions this week with none other than Kyle – AvidMax Store Manager, dedicated fly tyer, and one hell of an angler. He’s in the studio to talk shop and tie up one of his favorite patterns: the Zucchini Chironomid!

Tie it. Fish it. Love it.

Let’s go! 🎣💥

Recipe:

• Hook: Tiemco 201R, Size:

• Thread: UTC Ultra Thread 70D, Black

• Bead: Spirit River Hot Beads 7/64 Countersunk Bead, Pearl White

• Rib 1: UTC Ultra Wire, Red, Small

• Tinsel: Veevus Holographic Tinsel Black H13 Medium

• RaidZap Super Thin Resin / SUB / Solarez Ultra Thin Bone Dry

• Collar: Spectra Dub 295, Red

***Please note, some materials sell out quickly on Tuesdays after a video drops – you can always call Customer Service if you have a question about an alternate material option (720-836-3619)***

🎯 Tips & Tricks for Fly Fishing Chironomids in Stillwater (Spring Edition)

1. Know the Hatch

• Chironomids (a.k.a. midges) are often the first major hatch of the season.
• In spring, look for warming water (45–60°F) which triggers heavy hatches.
• Use a throat pump (carefully) to inspect what fish are eating—this can reveal size and color.

2. Fish the Right Depth

• 80–90% of feeding happens within 12 inches of the bottom.
• Use a sliding indicator setup or long leader (10–20 ft) to suspend flies just off the bottom.
• Count down or use a depth sounder to find the exact zone.

3. Match the Size and Color

• Sizes vary from #12 to #20, but in early spring, larger (#12–#14) chironomids often dominate.
• Common spring colors: black, olive, brown, red, and chromie (silver with black rib).
• Pay attention to ribbing and bead colors—a small change can make a big difference.

4. Use a Two-Fly Rig

• Fish a larger attractor pattern up top and a smaller natural on the bottom.
• Try combos like a Chromie on top and a black ribbed ice cream cone on the dropper.

5. Go Static or Slow

• Let your flies sit still under an indicator. Fish are often keying in on nearly motionless pupae.
• If retrieving, use a very slow hand-twist or a hovering midge tip line with a few slow strips.

6. Use Fluorocarbon Tippet

• Chironomids require a stealthy presentation.
• Use 5X–6X fluorocarbon for low visibility and better sink rate.

7. Watch Your Indicator Closely

• Takes can be subtle—just a wiggle, dip, or pause in the indicator may be all you get.
• If in doubt, set the hook.

8. Best Times to Fish

• Mid-morning to early afternoon is often best, especially when water begins warming and the bugs start moving.
• Cloudy days can produce longer hatches and more consistent action.

9. Be Patient and Stay Mobile

• Chironomid fishing can require a bit of waiting.
• If you’re not getting bites after 15–20 minutes, adjust depth or move to a new spot.

10. Must-Have Patterns for Spring

Gillie or Snow Cone

Chromie

Ice Cream Cone Midge (black or red)

Zucchini Chironomid (😉)

Red Ribbed Chironomid

Black Beauty

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Check out some of our favorite Fly Tying Gear:

• 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