Where can I find some of these bright white beads for chironomids? I checked google with no results. I’m interested in tying some of Brian Chan’s Chironomids. Does anyone have any lake midge patterns they prefer, and what sizes do you like? Thanks,
Jude
Late to bed,
Early to Rise,
Guide all day,
Tie more flies!
www.customflys.com
While I can’t tell you which dealer to use, Spirit River offers a white bead as part of their Stillwater Solutions line. Any dealer can order from them…
Keith
How about the tungsten Maxi-Glow beads found on this web-site. [url=http://www.canadianllama.com/:c203f]http://www.canadianllama.com/[/url:c203f]
If you have trouble ordering from there, you can e-mail Nick, at info@highlinefishing.com
Lew
[This message has been edited by Lew (edited 08 February 2006).]
Cabelas carries them in a wide range of sizes. They should have what you need.
Regards,
ScottP
You can also make your own white beads if you like. The process is described in P.Rowley’s “Fly Patterns for Stillwaters”. While tungsten and brass beads will get the fly down that much faster, you can also get away with just plain glass beads in white.
You can find 6/0 and 10/0 glass beads at most craft stores for considerably less than the metal alternatives. I personally don’t like the coated metal beads (of any color) because the coloring seems to scratch off too easily. I’ve had problems with Spirit River beads as well as some of the other mentioned. Anyone have a trick to make a more durable colored bead? Until I find a better way, I’m going to stick with glass beads.
-whatfly
[This message has been edited by whatfly (edited 08 February 2006).]
How about coating the bead with Hard as Nails?
LadyFisher, Publisher of
FAOL
I agree with whatfly, white glass bead heads are fine. As long as the pattern is slim then there shouldn’t be a problem getting down deep. I use 8/0 sized beads for #12 chironomids, 10/0’s for #14 and I rarely go below that size for stillwaters.
Rowley’s Chromie is hard to beat and that copper chromie looks like a winnner too.
Jude, I just got some from the Bearlodge Angler in 2 mm and 2.3 mm white metal. They seem like nice people, very prompt shipping.I want to tie some “chironocone” patterns.
[This message has been edited by herefishy (edited 08 February 2006).]
You could try a heat activated powder paint. I have used this on jig heads in the past and they stood up well. I used to use a product called Herbie’s magic Dust but that was a few years back now.
I get my beads from the local crafts store. They are called seed beads,Glass or plastic, come in a rainbow of colors and sizes, and are inexpensive.
They make some really tiny beads for needle work. I bought a few boxes from the local craft store they were in the needle work section in all different colors. Can’t go wrong for a buck.
Who has time for stress when there are fish to catch.
Nick
Hi,
For a few at a time, I’ve done fine using silver beads, then painting them white with model paint - 2 coats. I use finishing nails to hold the beads as I paint them & dry by sticking the nails in a block of foam.
Good luck,
John
Check the Canandian Llama Company [url=http://www.canadianllama.com.:b46ff]www.canadianllama.com.[/url:b46ff] They list just about any bead that you may want, and their prices are pretty good.
well guess I well chime in with this, there is a produce like the powerder paint it for stamping it called embossing powerder. It is a heat activated enemal, you can also pickup a small heat gun in most craft store along with the embossing power that sales stamping supplies sections in many colors. It work well on metal beads.
Ghost