Woolly Worm (imitation)

Woolly Worm
Artificial fly
Yellow and Grizzly Woolly Worm tied in its classic form
TypeWet fly, nymph
Imitateslarge aquatic nymphs of stoneflies, dragonflies, damselflies or hellgrammites
History
CreatorUnknown, popularized by Don Martinez (1950s)
Created1920s
VariationsTied with various body, tail and hackle colors, weighted and unweighted
Materials
Typical sizes6-12
ThreadBlack 6/0
TailShort red yarn
BodyChenille in black, yellow or green
RibbingGold wire (optional)
HackleGrizzly neck or saddle
HeadBlack thread
Uses
Primary useTrout, Bass, Panfish
Reference(s)
Pattern referencesWoolly Wisdom (2005), Soucie[1]

The Woolly Worm is an artificial fly commonly categorized as a wet fly or nymph and is fished under the water surface. It is a popular pattern for freshwater game fish and was a very popular fly in the 1950s–1970s in the west. Charles Brooks in Nymph Fishing for Larger Trout recommends the Woolly Worm as a general purpose nymph pattern in most western trout waters in any fly box. Woolly Worms are typically fished in streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes for trout, bass, and panfish. Today, Woolly Worms are tied in a variety of styles and colors to imitate a large aquatic nymphs such as stoneflies, dragonflies, damselflies or hellgrammites.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference Soucie 2006 10-11 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).