Bloodworms live in the mud / water interface at all depths in the lake but are most concentrated in water 5 to 25 feet in depth. Bloodworms live in larval tubes at the lake bottom and they feed on detritus (decaying organic matter).
Chironomids can live for up to 2 years in the larval stage and there are some species that in the larval stage reach over an inch in length. The pupa are similar in size as the pupa.
Chironomid larvae colours are maroon or blood red in colour and also shades of green.
Best to fish the larvae in the early spring and late fall as they are most active during those times.
Fish the bloodworm(larva) within 12 inches of the lake bottom unless you see larvae free drifting in the water or trapped in the surface film. These situations indicate larvae will be found throughout the water column (all depths).
Materials
Hook – 2XL shank sizes #14 - #8
Thread – red 8/0 or 6/0 waxed
Tail – Dark Maroon Marabou tips
Rib – fine silver wire
Body – Red Acetate Floss
Techniques and Equipment
Chironomid Pupa Without Indicator (Naked)
Fly Line – WF6F Floating
Leader – 18 feet in length with Rio 5 pound tippet
Depth anchored – 12 feet
Retrieve – very slow hand twist with short quick strips interspersed
5. Chironomid pupa with indicator
Fly line – WF6F – floating
Leader – 15 feet long with Rio 5 pound tippet
Depth anchored – 13 feet
Technique – pupa suspended 12 feet below indicator
Strike indicator – Thill brand
Chironomid pupa Sinking Line Technique
Fly Line – WF6I – clear intermediate/slow sinker
Anchored in 27 feet of water
Line sink rate @ 2.5 inches/sec
Wait time – 2.5 minutes to ensure chironomid pupa is at lake bottom before initiating retrieve
Retrieve – very slow hand twist
Leader – 7 – 9 feet with 5 pound tippet
Note : can use type 2 to type 5 sinking lines to fish this technique. The faster sinking lines reduces the amount of time you have to wait for the fly to get to the lake bottom.
Depth sounder critical to this technique
