The Black Chironomid Pupa is a must-have fly for stillwater anglers across the Eastern Sierra, particularly during heavy midge hatches in legendary fisheries like Crowley Lake, East Walker River backwaters, and the June Lake Loop. This pattern imitates the emerging stage of the chironomid as it ascends from the lakebed toward the surface—a moment when trout feed aggressively and opportunistically.
Its sleek black body closely matches the natural pupae that dominate alpine and subalpine lakes. The subtle flash in the ribbing and a contrasting white or silver gill tuft near the head can trigger strikes from even the most selective trout, especially in clear water or during calm, high-pressure conditions.
Best fished just off the bottom under an indicator or as part of a slow, static two-fly rig, this fly is most effective in spring and fall, when chironomid emergences peak in Sierra stillwaters.