Chironomids on Island Lakes?

[Salty]

I know that most vancouver island lakes are considered "feed poor" as compared to interior lakes that have much more aquatic life and where the chironomid fishing can be fantastic. Having said that in my recent stint of getting in to fly and more fresh water fishing I've dangled some chronys here and there with no sucess. This is in lakes that I'm doing OK with minnow patterns etc. so I know the fish are there.

Anyone had much luck with chironomid patterns on island lakes? Or have any thoughts on this? cheers

[Bead Head]

I've had good luck with chironomids but more during the spring. As of late i've been using large rabbit strip leeches with great results. Black and Red chironomids seem work just fine for me.

[Salty]

thanks Bead Head, that's encouraging I'll try chironomids more seriously in the spring Do you pretty much still fish them? Or strip in very slowly?

And for these days I might take your lead there and hunt down some more leach patterns - I don't tie (yet). I had some action the other day on a 'leachish' wooly bugger pattern up this way so a rs leach should be interesting to try. ..

[Bead Head]

Hey Salty when I'm fishing chironomids I'll try a bit of everything. The only thing I keep the same is using a fluorocarbon leader as it sinks and brings the fly down a little quicker. I'm not sure if your using a strike indicator or not but it might help out also as alot of the times the takes can be quite subtle. I like fishing without an indicator but you just have to keep on eye on your line at all times. With the leeches don't be afraid to go big I've trolling 2.5" to 3" leeches and getting good results.
hope this helps
Bead Head

[Salty]

helps alot. Thanks again.