Red Bloodworm Chironomid
The Columbia River is rich with larval stage chironomids also known as bloodworms. This Red Bloodworm Chironomid is one of Rod’s favorite nymphing patterns, and trout do seem to like the colour red. Rod uses this fly from 4 to 10 feet down with a small split shot to hang it tight along with an indicator. When the trout take this fly it is always right at the tip of their mouth. This tells us they are just taking a taste of the food rather than swallowing it. This fly is mostly used in spring and early summer, but can be used in the fall even into the winter.
Red Bloodworm Chironomid Materials List
Size 10 Daiichi 1760 hook
White Bead
140 Thread -Red
UV Krystal Flash
Silver Wire
Solarez UV Cure Resin
1/8 Crinkle Flash -Pearl
SLF Dubbing -Black Prism
About the Tyer
Rod Zavaduk is the owner/operator of Castlegar Sports Centre and Fly Shop; a retail fly fishing outlet and guide service. He began fishing the Columbia River in the late 70s and has been a licensed guide for over 25 years. Rod has studied entomology for 40 plus years and is an expert in the local hatches and insect life cycles. The majority of flies sold in Rod’s shop are hand tied and specialized for the local waterways. Many of the flies are tried and true custom patterns that cannot be purchased anywhere else. Rod estimates he ties 5,000 flies each year.
Visit CastlegarFlyShop.ca to see more of Rod’s hand tied flies, or stop by the new location at 2243 6th Avenue in Castlegar.</p
