How to Tie the Squirmy Worm
| Part | Material |
|---|---|
| Hook | Firehole 633 #12-16 (heavy-wire, down-eye bead nymph hook), barbless |
| Bead | brass or tungsten bead (image: gold) |
| Thread | 210 denier, to match the body (source olive version: olive 210D; image: red) |
| Tail | Squirmy Wormie segment |
| Rib | copper wire, medium-large |
| Body | Laser Dub or Ice Dub, to match the squirmy |
| Collar | thread hot spot behind the bead |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Bead and Thread
Slide the bead onto the Firehole 633 (the video uses a 3.2 mm bead on a #12). Lay a base of 210 denier flat-waxed thread back to the bend and back up behind the bead, taking care not to cut the squirmy later.
- 2
Rib
Cut the copper wire with the base of the scissors, tuck its end in behind the bead and bind it along the side of the shank with wraps down and back.
- 3
Squirmy Tail
Stretch the Squirmy Wormie segment slightly and bind it along the shank with gentle wraps down to the bend and back up, leaving the rest as the tail. Add a few firmer wraps once the base is down, but not tight enough to cut it. Coat the wraps with water-based cement only; solvent cements and UV-curing heat melt squirmy material.
- 4
Dubbed Body
Twist Ice Dub (or Laser or Antron dubbing) loosely onto the thread and dub down to the bend and back up behind the bead. Add a half hitch so the thread stays put while you rib.
- 5
Rib Forward
Wrap the wire forward in a few open turns for bold segmentation, lock it with thread in front of and behind the wire, and helicopter off the end.
- 6
Hot Spot and Finish
Whip-finish behind the bead. For a hot spot, finish with a brighter thread (red, orange or hot pink) as the collar. Trim any long dubbing fibers and cut the tail to length; each squirmy segment makes two or three flies.
How to Fish the Squirmy Worm
Dead drift deep under an indicator as part of a Euro-nymphing rig or traditional indicator setup. The soft material provides lifelike movement that triggers strikes from selective trout. Deadly during high water conditions when natural worms are present. Works well in tailwaters and freestone rivers. Use pink in stained water, red/tan in clear water. Essential for pressured waters where natural movement is key.
