Black Buzzer :

What is a Buzzer ?

A buzzer is the emerging stage of the chironomid midge. Chironomids live in the mud and silt at the bottom of stillwaters. When it is time to 'hatch' the buzzer wriggles its way to the surface where it hangs in the film and the flying adult emerges and leaves a husk behind.

Tier: Ian Mitchell

When to fish:

When the trout are feeding on buzzers they may take them any where in the water column. If the trout is taking them near the surface the angler will notice boils or swirls as the water displaced by the moving trout disturbs the surface of the water. Other clues to look for include:

• empty buzzer husks floating at the water's edge
• tiny surface rings as the midges hatch
• adult midges flying above the water's surface
• adult midge 'balls' floating on the water's surface

How to fish:

The buzzer needs to be fished at the correct depth. I prefer to fish it at a depth of 8 - 16 inches. I do this by using a floating line and greasing the leader within 8 - 16 inches of the fly. Alternatively, you may choose to fish it behind a dry fly, like a midge ball. In this way the midge ball acts as an indicator (and can catch fish too).

Cast the fly to the vicinity of a recent rise, and watch the leader (or indicator) carefully. When it shoots forward lift the rod to set the hook. Don't be in too much of a hurry to cast again, especially if there are a few fish working the area.

The Pattern:

I attribute the success of this pattern to the attractiveness of the subtle sheen of the mylar tinsel: enough to attract attention, but not too much to spook Mr and Mrs Speckles.

1. Tie in thread a third back from the eye.
2. Tie in Floss and Copper wire, and bind down past the bend. Wind thread back to starting point.
3. Wind floss forward to form a smooth flat body. Cut off excess.
4. Rib with Wire. Cut of Excess.
5. Tie in a piece of tinsel on each side. Tie in the Peacock Herl.
6. Wind a thorax of Peacock herl. Tie in and trim off.
7. Bring tinsel forward on either side of thorax. Tie in and trim off excess.
8. Whip finish a head and varnish.