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A classic fly pattern designed to imitate midge pupaee
The Rojo Midge Chironomid is a classic fly pattern designed to imitate midge pupae, particularly effective for trout in stillwater fisheries. Below are step-by-step instructions for tying the Rojo Midge Chironomid using the materials you specified, all sourced from AvidMax. The materials suggest a vibrant, effective pattern with a red thread body, silver or copper ribbing, peacock herl thorax, and a white Antron gill tuft, tied on a curved hook for a natural pupal shape.
Let’s go!
Materials Used:
• Hook: Tiemco TMC 201R (Sizes 12–18)
• Thread: UTC Ultra Thread 8/0 or 70 Denier, Purple Red
• Ribbing: UTC Ultra Wire, Small (Silver or Copper)
• Thorax: Hareline Strung Peacock Herl
• Gill Tuft: UTC Spooled Antron Yarn, White
Step-by-Step Tying Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Hook
Secure the Tiemco TMC 201R hook (size 12–18) in the vise. This hook’s slight curve mimics the natural shape of a midge pupa.
Start the UTC Ultra Thread (Purple Red, 8/0 or 70 Denier) behind the hook eye and wrap a smooth thread base to the hook bend, covering the shank evenly.
Step 2: Attach the Ribbing
Tie in a 4–6 inch piece of UTC Ultra Wire (Small, Silver or Copper) at the hook bend, securing it along the shank to the hook eye and back to the bend with thread wraps. This ensures the wire is locked in place and won’t twist during ribbing.
Return the thread to the hook bend.
Step 3: Build the Body
Wrap the Purple Red thread forward in tight, even wraps to create a smooth, tapered body, stopping about one-fifth of the shank length behind the hook eye (leaving space for the thorax and gill).
The red thread gives the fly its signature “Rojo” (Spanish for red) appearance, mimicking the hemoglobin-rich look of some midge pupae.
Step 4: Rib the Body
Spiral the UTC Ultra Wire forward in 4–6 evenly spaced wraps over the thread body to the stopping point of the thread.
Secure the wire with thread wraps and trim the excess. The silver or copper wire adds segmentation and subtle flash.
Step 5: Create the Thorax
Tie in 2–3 strands of Hareline Strung Peacock Herl just behind the hook eye, where the thread body ends.
Wrap the peacock herl forward in 2–3 tight turns to form a compact, iridescent thorax. Secure with thread and trim the excess herl. The peacock herl adds a buggy, reflective quality attractive to fish.
Step 6: Add the Gill Tuft
Cut a small pinch (3–5 fibers) of White UTC Spooled Antron Yarn. Tie it in just behind the hook eye, on top of the thorax, so the fibers extend forward slightly past the eye.
Trim the Antron to a short length (about 1–2 mm) to mimic the midge’s breathing filaments. Fold the fibers back slightly and secure with a few thread wraps to create a small, bushy tuft.
Step 7: Finish the Fly
Build a small thread head with the Purple Red thread to lock in the Antron and thorax materials.
Whip finish behind the hook eye (2–3 whips for security) and trim the thread.
Optionally, apply a drop of UV resin or head cement over the thread head for durability, ensuring it doesn’t clog the hook eye.
Tying Tips
- Thread Control: Keep thread wraps tight and even to maintain a slim profile, as chironomids are delicate. The 8/0 or 70 Denier UTC thread is fine enough for precision.
- Wire Selection: Choose silver wire for clearer water or copper for a warmer tone in stained water, depending on your fishing conditions.
- Antron Length: Keep the gill tuft short to avoid overpowering the fly’s delicate appearance. It should look like a small puff, not a long tail.
- Hook Size: Sizes 14–16 are most common for chironomids, but size 12 works for larger midges, and 18 for tiny ones in clear, pressured waters.
Fishing Notes
- The Rojo Midge Chironomid is typically fished under an indicator in stillwater (lakes, ponds) at depths where midge pupae are rising (1–10 feet). Use a slow, hand-twist retrieve or let it hang in the water column.
- The red body and white gill mimic a midge pupa’s natural appearance, while the peacock thorax and wire rib add subtle flash to draw attention.
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
