Squirmy Worm Bead Head Tan

The Squirmy Wormy is one of those flies that might be slightly embarrassing to tie on, but you’ll get over that once you’ve caught a few fish on it. Originally designed by Dave Hise in Hickory, North Carolina (although he spelled it “Wormie”), the fly is an obvious variation on the famed San Juan Worm. What sets it apart from its forbears is the use of rubbery material for the body. Tar Heel State anglers kept the secret to themselves for a while, but soon the USA Youth Fly Fishing Team was using the Squirmy Wormy to win the 2014 World Youth Fly Fishing Championships. In fact, one international team tried unsuccessfully to get the pattern banned from competition.