chironomid hook size

[Fish For Life 0]

What hook size is a good size for a trout chironomid. Also How big will they get (hook size).

[C LeBo 0]

I've found that chironomid hook size can go from 12 to 28. It just mainly depends on where you are fishing at.

[utyer 0]

On still waters, the larger sizes are more popular, and 12 and 14 will work fine. Moving water midge patterns lean to the smaller range, with a size 20 being about the most popular. For me, I know that two of the lakes I fish the chironomids have gray bodies, and a size 12 is a good match. My midge patterns for streams all are size 18 and smaller. Twenties and twenty-twos are the sizes I carry the most, and I always have a box full in any season. In late fall (Nov. and Dec,) and early winter through March the midge box is my primary box.

[rockworm 0]

Yup- I've seen chironomid larvae and pupae that were easily 1/2 inch in length (hook size #10). I'm sure you can find even larger specimens in some lakes.

[phg 0]

I agree, it depends on the water you'll be fishing. In the South Holston in TN, sizes 18-22 work best. Tail waters tend to have smaller insects than other waters.

[Rfinn 0]

My go to is a size 20 Griffith's Gnat. I've noticed that size fits most of the midges I see in SW Wisconsin. I usually go 16-18 for the dropper, which is almost always a midge larva or pupa.