Midge / EmergersChironocones

The Chironocones is a midge larvae imitator with a realistic profile and a bit of flash on the thorax. It sinks quickly and can be deadly when fished near the bottom.

Season
Year Round
Difficulty
Intermediate
Target Species
Trout
Chironocones - Image source: Yellow Dog Fly Fishing
Image source: Yellow Dog Fly Fishing

Overview

Chironocones are minimalist, Euro-style midge imitations designed for fast sink rates and subtle profiles. Typically tied with a tungsten bead, thread body, wire ribbing, and a touch of UV resin for durability and flash, they excel in technical tailwaters. These flies are ideal for tight-line nymphing and are often fished as part of a two-fly rig.

Pattern Characteristics

Intermediate Difficulty
Trout
Stillwater
Moving Water
Year Round
Imitates: Midge Larvae

Materials

Hook: #10-16 Tiemco 2457
Thread: Red UTC 70
Bead: White Sno Cone Bead
Body: Small or Medium Red D-Rib
Collar: Peacock Herl

Fishing Tips

Season

Year Round, but especially effective during midge hatches in Spring and Fall.

Presentation

Fish it near the bottom with a slow retrieve or dead drift.

When to Use

When trout are ignoring surface activity and focusing on midge larvae.

Water Type

Effective in both stillwaters and moving waters.

Rigging Suggestions

Can be used as a dropper off a dry fly or fished on a multi-fly nymph rig.

Visibility & Floatation

Sinks quickly, the red holographic tinsel on the thorax provides a bit of flash to attract fish.