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Woolly Worm fly pattern
Black chenille · red yarn tag · View the pattern reference ↗

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Wet fly / Pattern notes

Woolly Worm

A short red tag, chenille body, and grizzly hackle make a compact searching fly.

At the vise
Beginner friendly
Common sizes
#10–14
From hook to fly

At the vise.

4 illustrated steps

Work through the numbered steps in order. Use the written materials and proportions as your guide; select an image for a closer look.

  1. Woolly Worm, step 1: Tag

    Tag

    Cover the shank with thread and tie a short red yarn tag at the bend.

  2. Woolly Worm, step 2: Body

    Body

    Attach chenille and wrap forward in touching turns. Secure and trim.

  3. Woolly Worm, step 3: Hackle

    Hackle

    Tie hackle at the front; bring thread to the tail. Spiral hackle back, then wind thread forward through it for reinforcement.

  4. Woolly Worm, step 4: Finish

    Finish

    Remove excess hackle, whip finish, and cement the head.

Beyond the bench

On the water.

Use a slow retrieve for panfish or a controlled drift for trout. The short tail gives a compact profile.

Tied by independent makers

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Recipe references

Materials and tying methods may vary between versions. Compare the sources below for this dressing.

Portrait reference

Pattern dressings vary; use the written recipe for exact materials and proportions.

Big Y Fly Co ↗

For the same fly box.

Black Laced McGinty fly patternBlack Laced McGintyWet fly · #10–12Bully’s Bluegill Spider fly patternBully’s Bluegill SpiderWet fly · #8–12Carp Hybrid fly patternCarp HybridWet fly · #6–10