Fly Tying

How To Tie: Hanson’s Valhalla Chironomid

Welcome back to Tying Tuesday, fly junkies!

Forged in the halls of the gods, the Valhalla Chironomid is no ordinary stillwater pattern — it’s a weapon of trout destruction. Whether you’re hunting stillwater giants or seeking your place among the fly fishing elite, this fly earns its name one hook-up at a time! Ladies & Gentlemen, back in the studio is none other than the stillwater machine himself, Mr. Travis Hanson! With in my opinion, HIS BEST CHIRONOMID YET! I have filmed him in the studio, more times than I can count over my time here at AvidMax, and this one is my absolute favorite. Now does that equate to catching more fish…or should this be your next bug in the vise??? YES & YES!

Tie it. Fish it. Love it.

Let’s go! 🎣💥

Recipe:

• Hook: Tiemco 201R, Size 10

• Bead: MFC Tungsten Bean, 1/8 Black Nickel

• Thread: UTC Ultra Thread, 140D, Gray

• Gills: Hareline Sparkle Emerger Yarn

• 1st Rib: Semperfli Iridescent Thread, Pearl – Substitute: Semperfli Fluoro Brite

• 2nd Rib: Hareline Vinyl D-Rib, Small, Brown

• 2nd Thread: UTC Ultra Thread, 70D, Rusty Brown

• Legs: Wapsi Ostrich Plumes, Brown

***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)***

Fishing spring chironomid hatches in Colorado can be wildly productive — but also requires precision and attention to detail. Here are tips and tricks tailored to Colorado stillwaters and tailwaters during spring hatches:

🧬 Understanding the Spring Chironomid Hatch

Chironomids (non-biting midges) are one of the first and most consistent aquatic insects to hatch in spring. Trout key in on them during cooler months before larger insect activity begins.

Key Traits:

  • Found in lakes, reservoirs, and slow-moving tailwaters
  • Hatch heavily from March through May, especially mid-morning through early afternoon
  • Often emerge in clouds, creating a buffet trout can’t ignore

🎣 Tips & Tricks for Success

1. Dial in Depth with a Slip Indicator

  • Most chironomids emerge from 10–20 feet deep in stillwaters.
  • Use a slip indicator rig with a balanced leech or chironomid dropper.
  • Start by suspending flies 1–2 feet off the bottom, and adjust until you find feeding depth.

Pro Tip: Use a sliding float stop and a long leader (12–20 ft) to keep your fly near the strike zone without spooking fish.

2. Match the Hatch (Size & Color Matter)

  • Colorado chironomids range from size 12–20, with early spring hatches often larger.
  • Go with colors like:
    • Black or brown with red ribbing
    • Olive or tan in clear water
    • Chromie or pearl in high sun or silty conditions

Pro Tip: Carry a selection of beadhead and non-bead patterns to vary sink rate.

3. Fish Slow or Suspended

  • In cold spring water, trout are less aggressive — a slow retrieve or static presentation is often more effective.
  • Use intermediate or midge-tip fly lines when stripping, or go with a full indicator rig to fish static.

Trick: Watch for subtle twitches in the indicator — trout often eat gently.

4. Double Up: Use Two Chironomids

  • Fish a tandem rig with a smaller emerger or pupa pattern above a larger attractor.
  • This lets you cover two depths and two profiles at once.

Example: Try a size 16 Chromie up top, with a size 14 Red Ribbed Zebra Midge on the bottom.

5. Location, Location, Location

  • In early spring, focus on:
    • Shallow flats that warm first
    • Inlets or creek channels
    • Windward shores where hatches concentrate

Trick: Use a thermometer — water in the mid-40s to 50°F often means active hatches.

6. Watch for Signs of Life

  • Rising trout = active emergence. Look for:
    • Dorsal or tail-only rises
    • Birds feeding on the surface
    • Shucks or adult midges on the water

Adjust to fish emerger patterns or adult dries (like Griffith’s Gnats) if trout are sipping.

7. Use Fluorocarbon Tippet

  • Chironomid fishing requires stealth and sensitivity.
  • Use 5x to 7x fluorocarbon for better sink rate and invisibility, especially in clear spring water.

🔥 Bonus Spring Patterns for Colorado

  • Valhalla Chironomid – A deadly pattern for overcast or early-season days
  • Ice Cream Cone – Clean silhouette and great in deep water
  • Jujubee Midge – Excellent for tailwaters like the South Platte
  • Chromie – Killer flash in sunlight, great for staging pupae
  • Balanced Leech + Chironomid Combo – A favorite pairing for hungry spring trout

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