Holographic Bloodworm
by Darren MacEachern a.k.a. Pacres

Bloodworms are the common name given to Chironimid larvae. Chironomids or midges as they are commonly referred to, are often an overlooked food source for trout and pan fish. With over 2500 species of midges across North America, chances are you will find them in any body of water you fish. The chironomid larvae usually have a red colouration, but may also be found in bright green with the head region appearing darker. I typically tie this in the size 12-16 range, but depending on the size present in your area, you may go down to a size 20, especially early in the season.   

Recipe:
Hook: Mustad C49S size 10-20 or other scud hook
Thread: Black 8/0
Bead: Black bead of appropriate size
Body: Red holographic tinsel
Ribbing: Fine copper wire
Head: Peacock herl

Step 1.

Begin by pinching down the barb of your hook. If you do not practice catch and release, or your regulations permit the use of a barbed hook, you may omit this step. Place a bead on the hook and place the hook into the vise.

Step 2.

Begin your thread directly behind the bead and attach it with minimal wraps. It is essential to keep this pattern as slim as possible. Trim off the tag end of the thread. If you need additional weight, you may want to add a couple wraps of lead up against the bead.

Step 3.

Take a length of fine copper wire and a length of red holographic tinsel. Tie them in together behind the bead. The materials must be tied in together to keep the body slim and uniform.

Step 4.

In close wraps, tie down the copper wire and the holographic tinsel to the bend of the hook. As you wrap, keep the wire on the side of the hook so the body shape does not get distorted.

Step 5.

In closed touching turns, wrap the tinsel forward to the bead. Tie down the tinsel behind the bead, and trim off any excess material. You should now have a solid holographic body.

Step 6.

Take the fine copper wire and wrap it up to the bead. Wrap the wire the opposite direction the tinsel was wrapped to add some durability to the pattern. The ribbing adds segmentation that is present in the natural. Tie off the wire and trim off the excess.

Step 7.

Take 1 or 2 peacock herls and trim off the fragile tips. Tie in the herl by the tips directly behind the bead.

Step 8.

Wrap the herl around the hook shank 2-3 times so that you have a nice full collar. Tie off the herl and trim the excess. Whip finish the fly between the herl and the bead. You can add some head cement to the mylar body to improve the durability.

Fishing the fly.

I fish this fly under an indicator for trout, pumpkinseeds bluegills, crappie and perch. You could fish it on a tight line on it's own or even use it as a dropper off a larger dry fly. I would tie this in a green holographic colour as well to cover the range. Since bloodworms like a muddy substrate, it works best fished just above the bottom of muddy lakes and ponds.