In this week’s “How to Tie” video feature, Cade Moore with Fly Fish Food ties a stillwater fly perfect for any season, the Zucchini Chironomid.
Learn About This Fly:
Difficulty: Easy
With summer heat in full effect, our trout friends dwelling in rivers and streams deserve a break. Turning your head to other opportunities on the fly is a great way to better yourself as an angler and create an adventure. Whether that leads you to the salt, lakes, or other waterbodies, there are plenty of other species besides trout for you to get your fix during the heat. If you are determined on targeting trout, give the cold stillwaters a try and bring along a batch of Zucchini Chironomids.
This pattern won’t give tyers of any experience level much trouble. If you are a beginner, be careful with resin as it can be overapplied very easily. Choosing the right thread is key for not over building the body and keeping profile in line as well. Trout will eat chironomids year round, so make sure you tie the Zucchini Chironomid in sizes ranging from 14-18 to cover all the bases.
Fishing stillwaters can be an exciting challenge that many trout anglers rarely get to experience. Keep in mind, these fish can grow to immense proportions given their conditions so you need to be ready at all times for the fish of a lifetime. A common pairing with this in a double nymph rig is a balanced or egg sucking leech style pattern. Confidence should be felt while fishing the Zucchini Chironomid, no matter the season or conditions.
Ingredients:
- Hook: Fulling Mill 5067 – Czech Nymph Heavy Black Nickel – Barbless – 14
- Bead: Plummeting Tungsten Beads – Neon Colors – 3/32″ (2.3mm) – Fl. White
- Thread : UTC Ultrathread 70 Denier – Black
- Wire: Semperfli Tying Wire – 0.2 – Bright Silver
- Body: UTC Holographic Tinsel – Medium 1/32 – Black
- Resin: Solarez Bone Dry PLUS 0.5 Fl. Oz. Squeeze Bottle with Tip
Now you know how to tie the Zucchini Chironomid!
Video and ingredients courtesy of Fly Fish Food.
Last Updated on August 6, 2024 by Max Inchausti
The Zucchini Chironomid is a fantastic pattern for stillwater fishing, especially when the summer heat pushes trout into cooler waters. It’s an easy tie, making it accessible for anglers of all skill levels. The key here is attention to detail—especially when it comes to thread choice and resin application. This fly’s versatility, paired with its simplicity, makes it a must-have in your fly box year-round. Whether you’re fishing it on its own or in a double nymph rig, the Zucchini Chironomid is sure to entice those bigger, stillwater trout. Definitely a go-to pattern for any season!