Nymph · #6 of 129

San Juan Worm

Imitates: Aquatic worm (annelid)

How to Rig It

Lead fly above a smaller nymph, or solo under an indicator in big water.

Dead-drift deep along the bank where dirty water dislodges real worms.

Real aquatic worms get washed loose in high water. Trout know it and feed aggressively on the easy protein.

Developed on New Mexico's San Juan River in the 1970s. Originally controversial as 'not a real fly' — now a guide-box staple worldwide.

Pink and red are classics, but try a brown 'squirmy' worm in clear water when fish have seen too many neon ones.

Is the San Juan Worm legal?+

Yes, it's a tied fly and legal everywhere fly fishing is permitted, including catch-and-release flies-only waters.

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