Ice Cream Cone
Recipe:
| Hook: | 18 - 10 2X curved shank hook (TMC 2312 or Partridge 15BN) |
| Thread: | 3/0 or 6/0 black (gauge to match hook size) |
| Body: | Tying thread finished with Hard As Nails |
| Rib: | Pearl Flashabou and silver wire |
| Head: | Metal bead painted white |
Uses:
The Ice Cream Cone is meant to represent deep lying chironomid pupae. It is primarily a stillwater pattern that is especially effective when the naturals are staging. The pattern sinks quickly to depth where its white bead head, thought to indicate the gills of the natural, acts as a trigger point.
How to fish:
Fish the Ice Cream Cone using either a static presentation or a quick strip, both methods work especially well in conjunction with a high floating strike indicator. You can also fish this pattern employing a traditional nymphing setup with a floating line, long leader and a figure-eight or hand twist retrieve. To fish deep using a retrieve, try a sink tip or intermediate slow sinker to keep the fly at the right depth.
For more details on fishing chironomids read Brian Chan's article »
Tying instructions:
Left-handed tyers see below, right-handed tyers see alternative sequence »
 | 1. Place a white glass or painted metal bead on the hook, then place the hook in the vice as shown. This hook hold reduces the incidence of thread wraps slipping at either end of the dressing. |
 | 2. Start the thread immediately behind the bead. |
 | 3. Catch in the pearl ribbing the butt end of which should reach to immediately behind the bead. |
 | 4. Catch in the silver wire as you continue wrapping the thread toward the rear of the body. As with the pearl ribbing, the tethered end of the wire should extend to immediately behind the bead - this helps maintain an even profile when you build up the body later. |
 | 5. Hold the rib materials slightly apart as you wrap the thread to the rear of the body, keeping them inline with the shank and bend. As in the previous stage, this technique helps maintain a clean body profile. |
 | 6. Run the thread to the point indicated. You may wish to dress a shorter or longer body. |
 | 7. Build a tapered body with the tying thread (a job made quicker using heavy gauge thread). Allowing the thread fibers to flatten and spread slightly can help produce a nice smooth result. |
 | 8. With the thread hanging at the head, wind the Flashabou rib forward in firm even wraps. Secure with thread making two or three tight wraps and a half hitch. |
 | 9. Wrap the silver wire following the leading edge of the Flashabou rib. |
 | 10. Cut away the waste rib material. Build the thread up into a cone taking the body profile smoothly onto the back of the bead. Make a whip finish. |
 | 11. Apply a good coat of Hard As Nails. Spread the varnish evenly and avoid overloading the fly. |
 | 12. After a single layer of varnish you should have something like this. If you prefer a heavier varnish layer, let the first coat dry completely before adding another. |