How to Fish Chironomids Like a Pro: Zach’s Guide to Stillwater Strategy
With: lunkslap
We caught up with Zach, better known online for his razor-sharp stillwater patterns and deep knowledge of lake entomology, during a stretch of calm mornings and hungry rainbows out in Kelowna, B.C. As someone who’s spent more than a few dawns watching chironomids rise and rods bend, I was stoked to sit down with a fellow lake junkie who lives and breathes fly tying. Zach broke down his process, shared his go-to tactics for consistent success on stillwaters, and offered a few tips every new fly tier should hear. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your lake game, there’s a lot to learn from this one.
Zach, you've built a strong following for your premium stillwater flies. Can you share how you first got into fly fishing, and what inspired you to specialize in stillwater fly tying?
I was lucky enough to grow up in a family that spent a lot of time outside. We camped and fished a ton when I was a kid, and my dad has always been a passionate fly angler. I had a fly rod in my hand from an early age, so it just became second nature.
What really pulled me toward stillwater tying was watching local guys absolutely dialed in during chironomid hatches. They were locked onto the fish and putting on a clinic, and I knew I wanted to figure that out for myself. That kicked off a serious obsession with tying chironomids, mayflies, damsels, and pretty much anything else that trout feed on in lakes. I got deep into entomology too, trying to really understand what the fish were seeing and eating. The cool thing about stillwaters is that they are always changing. Every season and every lake has something new to figure out, and that keeps it interesting for me.
Fly tying can be intricate, especially when it comes to stillwater patterns. What is your process like when you’re creating a new fly, and how do you ensure it’s effective in various conditions?
Most of the time, I start with what I see on the water. Especially with chironomids, I’ll take throat samples and snap a few photos of what im seeing. That gives me a good idea of size, color, and segmentation. Then I head to the vise and tie up a few versions, maybe some slight variations just to see what looks right and fishes well.
Once I’m out on the lake, I test them alongside a hatch and see how the fish react and if they like one pattern over the other. Here in B.C. I can fish 2 rods if I am solo in my boat which really makes it easier to test different patterns and especially different versions of the same pattern. It takes some trial and error, but over time you start to get a feel for what works. When a pattern starts producing consistently, I’ll lock it into my regular rotation.
With your experience in fly fishing and tying, what would you say are your top five tips for fishing stillwater flies successfully?
Stillwater fishing can be a bit of a puzzle, but if you stay sharp and pay attention to the details, it can be super productive. These would be my top five tips:
1. Fish what’s hatching.
Always try to match what’s going on in the moment. If chironomids are coming off, tie one on. If callibaetis are popping, make the switch. Being aware of the hatch activity is a huge piece of the puzzle.
2. Use your electronics.
A sonar or fish finder can make a massive difference. It helps you figure out where the fish are sitting and lets you stay in productive water instead of just guessing.
3. Stick to your go-to patterns.
It’s easy to overthink fly choice, but I like to keep it simple. I have a few patterns I really trust, and I fish them with confidence. If a fly has been working for you, don’t overcomplicate it.
4. Keep a journal.
Write down what worked, when it worked, and where it worked. It might not seem like much at the time, but those notes become gold when you are trying to dial things in a year later.
5. Focus on presentation.
The right fly at the wrong depth or with the wrong retrieve won’t get it done. I spend a lot of time playing with depth and retrieves on different lines until I find what triggers bites. Sometimes it’s the smallest change that turns your day around.
Being based in Kelowna, B.C., you’re surrounded by stunning landscapes and productive waters. What’s your favorite local stillwater spot to fish, and why do you recommend it to others?
Honestly, my favorite stillwater to fish is wherever I can link up with some buddies and get on a good hatch or some actively feeding fish. There’s nothing better than anchoring up, watching some fish rise, and getting into some solid Pennask rainbows. It’s about more than just catching fish. It’s those moments on the water when everything falls into place... The scenery, the company, the hatch...That really make a day on the water so special.
As someone passionate about the outdoors, what advice would you give to beginners who are just starting to tie stillwater flies and are looking to get into fly fishing?
The best advice I can give is to take full advantage of the fly fishing community online. Social media can be a huge learning tool if you use it right. There are so many people willing to share patterns, techniques, and tips. Reach out, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to learn from others.
Watch tying tutorials, study the hatches in your local lakes, and just put in the time. The more you sit at the vise and the more hours you spend on the water, the better you’ll get. It takes a bit of effort, but once it clicks, it becomes something you want to keep chasing.
