Bodkin / Patterns
San Juan Worm
Classic Recipe
- Hook Scud/curved, 10-14
- Thread Red 6/0
Materials
- Body Ultra chenille or Squirmy material (Red, 2 inches)
How to tie it
- Mount the curved hook and start thread at midshank.
- Lay the chenille along the shank with one end extending about a half-inch past the bend.
- Bind it to the shank with firm X-wraps at the middle. The wraps should sink into the chenille and disappear.
- Trim the front end to extend a half-inch past the eye. The two floppy ends are the worm.
- Touch each end briefly with a lighter flame to taper and seal it, just a kiss of heat; melted is ruined.
- Add a drop of head cement to the thread wraps.
Substitutions
- Body instead of Ultra chenille or Squirmy material: Squirmy Wormies (red) — More jiggly, more movement; Ultra Chenille (wine/maroon) — Traditional, easier to handle; Squirmy Wormies (pink) — Great in stained water; Squirmy Wormies (brown) — Natural earthworm color; Vernille/Mop chenille (tan) — Mop Worm hybrid
Other versions
5 more in the app: Squirmy Wormy Modern Version, Pale, Gold Bead, TB, Beadhead.
Tying videos
- San Juan Worm — Tim Flagler (Orvis)
- San Juan Worm — Charlie Craven (Charlie's Fly Box)
- San Juan Worm — Ventures Fly Co (YouTube)
- San Juan Worm — Trident Fly Fishing (YouTube)
- San Juan Worm — Gig Harbor Fly Shop (YouTube)
- San Juan Worm — Smitty's Monthly Fly Box (YouTube)
- San Juan Worm — JudeDuran_FlyFishing (YouTube)