The Motherboard is derived from the very popular Chromie chironomid pattern.  Instead of silver Flashabou for the body, it uses gray shiny static-free plastic.  This material is available (usually for free) from most businesses that deal in electronics.  Mike Dickey from Grand Coulee gave this fly the name “Motherboard” since computer motherboards come in protective envelopes made of this material.  I chose this material because it was gray like real chironomids, yet also shiny like the gas that forms around them, enabling them to rise to the surface.  This fly is best fished under a strike indicator with a floating fly line when gray chironomids are hatching.

Hook:  Tiemco 2457 scud hook.
Thread:  8/0 light gray.................
Head:  Tungsten bead, your choice - black...
silver...
black chrome...
Body:  Gray circuit board protective material
Rib:  Small wire
red...
black...
Thorax:  Gray thread..................

1. Pinch the barb, slip the bead on and attach the thread behind the bead.

2. Cut a 6” piece of wire, slip an end into the hole in the bead and then lash it to the top of the hook, wrapping partially around the bend of the hook and then back to a point behind the bead.  Then take a 1/16” wide strip of body plastic.  Cut one end pointed and lash the pointed end in behind the bead.

3. Wrap the plastic strip in overlapping turns to a point partially around the bend of the hook and then back to behind the bead.  Tie it down and trim the excess.

4. Counter-wrap the wire rib to behind the bead, tie off and trim.  Build up the thread behind the bead to form the thorax and hold the bead in place.  Whip finish behind the bead.  Coat body of fly with 3 coats of “Hard As Nails.”

Gene Lorenson Illustrations