Zucchini

In the Pacific Northwest and in British Columbia in particular, chironomids get big. Chironomids so large they are locally known as bombers. This version of the Zucchini, a popular BC fly is intended to suggest emerging bomber pupa. Large bomber patterns such as this version also make an excellent, 'stand out in a crowd' pattern when trout are targeting smaller pupa.
Material Sources:
Daiichi Hooks: www.canadianllama.com
Brass Beads: www.canadaianllama.com

[@bobtaylor4898]

Love it !! Thanks Phil !

[@PhilRowleyFlyFishing]

Thanks Bob!

[@bobjacobsen4462]

great job phil how you doing

[@PhilRowleyFlyFishing]

Thanks Bob, doing well, all things considered.
Cheers, Phil

[@jcoats5529]

I prefer to use lead instead of uni thread

[@PhilRowleyFlyFishing]

That is certainly an option. I prefer to just use a brass bead as I often fish my chironomid patterns using other methods besides indicators. When using cast and retrieve techniques I find heavier patterns sink too fast and end up dragging the bottom.
Cheers Phil

[@BlackstockRock]

Hey Phil just curious what size of beads you use for your chironomids?

[@PhilRowleyFlyFishing]

Hi, great question. For me, beads not only provide weight but help suggest the natural profile of the pupa. When using scud hooks I use 7/64" for #10, 3/32" for #12-#14 and 5/64" for #16 and smaller.
I hope this helps. Stay safe and healthy.
Thanks, Phil

[@TheGibbons334]

Hey Phil, what's the most popular Chironomid patterns you use in AB?

[@PhilRowleyFlyFishing]

Hi, I use flies such as Zucchini, tied on scud hooks, Chromies, Gun Metal Chromies, Collaborators, etc. The usual chironomids you would use elsewhere, mostly in sizes #12-#16.
Cheers, Phil

[@greggiono8789]

My wife says if I watch phils strip tease damsel one more time it will wreck our marriage

[@PhilRowleyFlyFishing]

Hi Greg, that's too funny!
Cheers, Phil

[@bc_interior_flytying2798]

Not exactly like the original zucchini 🤔

[@PhilRowleyFlyFishing]

No, it's not. I don't think I stated that either but rather, in the text and video intro, that this was a version tied to suggest large Bomber pupa. I also use smaller versions more aligned to the original Zucchini tied on scud hooks with both white beads and black nickel beads with yarn gills.
I hope you guys are well, cheers. Phil