nymph
Squirmy Wormy
A controversial but devastatingly effective pattern using a squiggly silicone body to imitate aquatic worms and crane fly larvae. The undulating action of the worm material triggers aggressive strikes even from pressured trout, making it a go-to confidence fly for competition anglers and guides alike.
Originated by Popularized by the Czech team; Gilbert Rowley variant
Recipe
- HookHanak 230 or similar nymph hook — size 12 · Hanak
- BeadTungsten — Copper or Silver
- ThreadUni Thread 6/0 — Red (or to match) · UNI Products
- BodySquirmy Wormy Material — Bloodworm Red · Spirit River
History
It's no secret — fish love worms. Being that the goal is catching fish as efficiently as possible, it follows that worm patterns belong in the box. Gilbert Rowley calls the Squirmy Wormy the single most productive worm pattern he has ever fished — it has pulling power, and often catches the largest fish of the day. The silicone material is the trigger, wiggling on the drift like nothing else. Devin Olsen introduced Rowley to the pattern years ago when the material was hard to find; today every fly shop carries it. Tied with a heavy tungsten bead, it doubles as an anchor fly that gets a rig to depth fast.