How to Tie the Rojo MIJ Chironomid (Step-by-Step Guide)

Fly Tying

Aug 17

The Rojo MIJ Chironomid is a deadly stillwater midge pattern with a heavy bead variation, perfect for targeting trout in lakes and even slow-moving rivers.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Start the Thread

Attach your purple 72 denier thread just behind the eye of the hook.
Trim off the tag end.

Step 2: Tie in the Gills

Use a white Uni-Stretch material or substitute like GlowBrite or Murder Yarn in white.
Tie in a short piece at the front of the hook, fold the excess backward, and secure it with tight wraps.
Trim the gill fibers straight across to desired length.

Step 3: Whip Finish and Slide Beads

Whip finish and cut your thread.
Slide the glass bead and black nickel tungsten bead forward to the front.

Step 4: Reattach Thread

Reattach your purple thread behind the tungsten bead.
Build a thread dam to secure the bead in place.
Trim the tag end of your thread.

Step 5: Add Ribbing

Tie in a small copper wire on your side of the hook shank.
Wrap the thread smoothly down the shank, covering the wire all the way to the bend.
Bring the thread back up with smooth, touching wraps.

Step 6: Wrap the Rib

Wrap the copper wire forward in even segments to create a clean ribbed body.
Secure the wire with thread wraps and helicopter it off.

Step 7: Add Peacock Collar

Select one strand of peacock herl and trim off the brittle tip.
Tie in the herl just behind the tungsten bead.
Wrap it forward 3–4 turns to build a bushy collar.
Secure with thread wraps and trim off the excess.

Step 8: Color the Thread (Optional)

Use a black Sharpie to color your thread before whip finishing.
This hides the purple and gives the fly a clean, finished look.

Step 9: Final Whip Finish

Do a four-turn whip finish behind the tungsten bead.
Trim the thread and inspect your fly.

🧵 Material List for the Rojo MIJ Chironomid

Hook: Tiemco 2488 or similar, size 16
Beads:
- Front: Small red glass bead
- Back: 2.4mm black nickel tungsten bead
Thread: Purple 72 Denier (or 8/0)
Gills: White Uni-Stretch, GlowBrite, or white Sparkle Yarn
Rib: Small copper wire
Thorax: Peacock herl
Marker (Optional): Black Sharpie