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Worm / Pattern notes

Squirmy Wormy

A soft silicone worm with movement during a natural drift.

At the vise
Beginner friendly
Common sizes
#8–12
From hook to fly

At the vise.

4 steps

Follow this base recipe in order. The materials list specifies one hook size; adjust proportions together when tying another size.

  1. Bead and base

    Fit the bead and cover the shank with thread, building a small support behind the bead.

  2. Rear tail

    Pinch a worm strand against the thread base near the bend. Secure gently with broad, flat wraps; leave a shank-length rear tail.

  3. Body

    Wind the strand loosely toward the bead. Secure with light thread pressure, leaving the free end projecting forward.

  4. Finish

    Whip finish on the thread collar without cutting into silicone. Trim the front end to about a shank length.

Beyond the bench

On the water.

Drift where aquatic worms are available; vary bead weight to reach the feeding level.

Tied by independent makers

Find your Squirmy Wormy.

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Recipe references

Original written instructions adapted from the sources below. Materials and methods may vary between versions.

For the same fly box.

Illustration of a finished San Juan Worm flySan Juan WormWorm · #10–14Illustration of a finished Royal Wulff flyRoyal WulffDry fly · #10–16Illustration of a finished Prince Nymph flyPrince NymphNymph · #10–18