Walt’s Worm (Jig)

The Walt’s Worm was created by Pennsylvania angler Walt Young in the mid-1980s and has become one of the most trusted nymphs in fly fishing, and a staple in competition fly boxes. It was originally designed as a heavy pattern to get deep in fast spring flows and is often said to imitate a crane fly larva. Its plain, buggy shape also passes for scuds, sow bugs and caddis larvae, which is why it catches fish in almost any season, especially when nothing is hatching.

Our version is tied on a jig hook with a slotted silver tungsten bead and a slim, cigar-shaped body of hare’s ear dubbing with fibres picked out for a buggy, lifelike look. The jig hook and bead turn the fly over so it rides point-up, which helps it snag less on the bottom. With no legs or tail to slow it down, it sinks quickly and gets into the strike zone fast.

How to fish it

• Euro / tight-line nymphing: fish it as the point (anchor) fly, with a lighter nymph or soft hackle on the dropper above.
• Indicator or dry-dropper: hang it below an indicator or a large dry fly.
• Where: riffles, runs and pocket water on freestone streams and tailwaters, all year round.

Typical materials

• Hook: Jig hook, sizes #12–#18
• Bead: Slotted silver tungsten bead
• Thread: Tan, to match the body
• Body: Hare’s ear dubbing, picked out

Hand-tied and quality-checked. Sold by the dozen; samples available on request.