The Squirmy Wormy fly is a modern twist on traditional worm patterns that has taken the fly fishing world by storm. With its lifelike movement and high visibility, it attracts trout and panfish in various water conditions. While tying a Squirmy Wormy might look simple at first, it comes with a few unique challenges due to the elastic nature of the material. Learning how to tie a Squirmy Wormy correctly ensures that the fly remains durable, functional, and enticing to fish. Whether you’re new to fly tying or a seasoned tier looking to expand your fly box, understanding the correct technique is key to maximizing this fly’s effectiveness.
Materials Needed for a Squirmy Wormy Fly
Essential Tools and Components
Before starting the tying process, it’s important to gather all the required materials. Using the right tools will help make the process smoother and increase the durability of the fly.
- Hook: Scud hook or curved nymph hook (size 12-16)
- Thread: 6/0 or 8/0 in red, pink, or brown
- Body Material: Squirmy Wormy silicone or rubber material
- Bead Head (optional): Gold or tungsten bead for added weight
- Glue: Head cement or UV resin to secure the thread wraps
- Fly tying vise, bobbin, and scissors
Choosing the Right Hook and Material
Matching Size to Water Conditions
The size of the hook should match your target species and the local water clarity. In murky water or during runoff, larger sizes with bright colors work well. In clear water, a smaller, more natural color may be more effective.
Handling the Squirmy Material
Squirmy Wormy material is stretchy and soft, which makes it move naturally in the water. However, it is also prone to tearing under pressure or when pinched too tightly. Gentle handling and proper thread tension are key to avoiding damage during tying.
Step-by-Step Guide to Tying a Squirmy Wormy
Step 1: Place the Hook in the Vise
Secure the hook firmly in your vise with the shank level. If using a bead, slide it onto the hook before placing it in the vise.
Step 2: Start the Thread Base
Begin wrapping the thread just behind the hook eye or bead. Lay a smooth base down the hook shank to the bend. This helps give the squirmy material a surface to grip.
Step 3: Attach the Squirmy Tail
Cut a piece of Squirmy Wormy material about 3 inches long. Position one end of it along the top of the hook bend and secure it with 2-3 soft wraps. Pull the material gently to avoid cutting it. Once positioned, tighten the wraps slightly to hold it in place.
Step 4: Wrap the Body Section
Some tiers like to wrap a short section of Squirmy Wormy around the hook shank for added movement. If doing this, wind the material forward with even spacing and secure it again near the front. Alternatively, you can simply tie down a straight piece without wrapping, letting both ends wiggle freely in the water.
Step 5: Secure the Front Section
Once the body or head end is tied in, make several tight thread wraps to secure it. Be mindful not to use too many wraps, which can cut or deform the material. Use minimal tension for initial wraps, then firm it slightly as you finish.
Step 6: Finish the Fly
Whip finish the thread just behind the bead or hook eye. Add a drop of head cement or UV resin to lock the thread and prevent unraveling. Be careful not to get glue on the squirmy material, as it can damage it.
Tips to Improve Durability and Appearance
Handle With Care
Squirmy Wormy material is heat-sensitive and stretchy. Avoid using too much tension or force while tying. Always use soft thread and limit your wraps over the rubber.
Color Variations
Squirmy Wormies come in many colors including red, pink, chartreuse, and brown. Mix colors based on water clarity, season, or target species. Bright reds and pinks often work best during high runoff or in muddy water.
Secure Ends Strategically
Try leaving a short section of material at both ends to create a wiggle tail effect. The motion this creates underwater can be irresistible to trout, especially in stillwater or slow-moving streams.
When and Where to Fish a Squirmy Wormy
Best Conditions for Effectiveness
The Squirmy Wormy excels in high water, runoff, or murky river conditions. Trout and panfish are more likely to strike bright, wriggling patterns when natural food sources are hard to spot.
Ideal Presentation Techniques
- Use as a point fly in a two-fly rig
- Dead drift under a strike indicator
- Pair with a heavier bead head nymph to get it down faster
- Fish it solo on a Euro-nymphing setup for precise control
Target Species
Trout, bluegill, perch, and even bass have been known to hit Squirmy Wormies. It’s a highly versatile fly for stillwater and moving water environments.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Over-Tightening the Thread
Too much thread tension can slice through the soft material. Always start with light wraps and increase pressure only when the position is secure.
Applying Glue Directly to the Rubber
Adhesives like super glue can dissolve or harden the Squirmy Wormy body. If glue is necessary, use it only on the thread, avoiding contact with the material itself.
Using the Wrong Hook Style
A straight shank hook can reduce the fly’s natural appearance and movement. Scud or curved nymph hooks are better suited for this pattern due to their shape and effectiveness at mimicking worms.
Variations and Customizations
Bead Head Squirmy Wormy
Add a gold or tungsten bead to the front for weight and flash. This variation sinks faster and is excellent for deep water or fast currents.
Double-Tail Squirmy Wormy
Attach squirmy material at both the front and back to create even more movement. This variation is particularly attractive in stillwater settings.
UV-Enhanced Squirmy Wormy
Use UV-reactive thread or resin to make the fly glow under sunlight or a UV torch. This can give the fly added visibility in stained water.
Learning how to tie a Squirmy Wormy opens up new opportunities for fly fishers looking to increase their catch rate in a variety of conditions. With the right materials, gentle technique, and thoughtful presentation, this simple fly becomes a highly effective weapon in your fly box. It’s perfect for targeting trout and other freshwater species that respond to lifelike motion and bold colors. With just a few practice sessions, you can master this pattern and customize it to suit your waters. Whether fishing murky rivers after rain or stalking stillwater trout, the Squirmy Wormy delivers action and results.