In our streams and lakes in the northeast, aquatic worms are everywhere and a major food source year-round for fresh water game fish. The Squirmy Worm is perhaps the best worm imitation us fly fishermen have in our boxes. And we need not be embarrassed to tie one on and fish it. When there are no rising fish, the water’s high, or the traditional pheasant tails and soft hackles aren’t working, a “Squirmy” is often the ticket.
The pattern only has 4 materials; hook, bead, thread, and squirmy wormy material. It’s a relatively quick tie once you’ve figured out how to control the slippery squirmy stuff. The YouTube video provided by Fly Fish Food has some convenient tips on how to make your squirmies behave when being fastened to the hook. Be sure to tie them in different colors with different beads. Keep a bunch in your box to use as an anchor on a Euro rig or under an indicator. They work well on the swing and you’ll get a ton of hits downstream in fast water.
Don’t worry about the comments from the traditionalists. You’ll be catching more fish than them anyway.