FlyFysher / Pattern library / Chironomid Pupa Written tying guide
BC Flyguys black-and-red thread pupa with white glass bead 5 numbered steps and a complete materials list for this dressing.
Read the tying steps Midge pupa / Pattern notes
Chironomid Pupa A slim black thread pupa with a red wire rib and bright glass bead, based on a specific stillwater dressing.
The source index names a Chironomid Pupa but does not identify the photographed fly’s materials or recipe. This page presents BC Flyguys’ documented black-and-red thread pupa as one specific exemplar, without claiming the photo shows that dressing.
At the vise Beginner friendly
Common sizes #12–18 Materials Tying steps On the water Flies & tyers At your bench
The materials. BC Flyguys black-and-red thread pupa with white glass bead
Source-informed recipe; specialist review pending.
Hook Mustad Signature C49 curved scud hook, size 16 for this example
Bead White glass bead matched to the hook
Body and thread Black 8/0 tying thread
Rib Small red wire
Coating Thin clear cyanoacrylate, such as Krazy Glue Tools Vise Bobbin Scissors Whip-finishing tool Fine applicator A note on this version The documented dressing permits red holographic tinsel instead of wire and a small peacock thorax on larger hooks. Those are choices within this exemplar, not identifications of the source photo.
From hook to fly
At the vise. 5 steps Work through the numbered steps in order, using the materials list and written proportions as your guide.
01
Seat the glass bead Slide the white glass bead onto the curved hook and secure the hook in the vise. Start black thread directly behind the bead.
02
Build a slim thread body Run thread down into the bend, then make smooth, close turns back toward the bead to shape a narrow taper.
03
Attach the red rib Tie small red wire along the body back to the bend; bring the working thread forward again behind the bead.
04
Segment the abdomen Spiral the wire forward in evenly spaced open turns. Tie it off behind the bead and break or trim the excess.
05
Seal the body Whip finish behind the bead. Apply a thin clear coating over the thread body and rib without filling the bead opening.
Beyond the bench
On the water. In stillwater, present it slowly near the depth where trout are taking pupae. A restrained lift can suggest a pupa ascending through the water.
Have this pattern tied for your water. No versions are listed yet. Choose a tyer and ask about your sizes, colors and materials. The tyer must confirm availability and send an offer.
Recipe references Original written instructions adapted from the sources below. Materials and methods may vary between versions.
