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Fly of the Month

Bob Ireton brings together his experience in fly fishing, aquatic entomology, and knowledge of fly tying techniques and materials, to design and tie durable and effective flies.

Volume 4, Issue 8 August 2003

AQUATIC EARTHWORM

Fly, Text, and Photography by Bob Ireton

Most folks don't realize that there are maybe 200 species or more of aquatic earthworms in North America. I am not talking about the earthworms you dig for in your garden to fish for sunfish. Although not much is known about the aquatic variety, they are well represented in freshwater environments. They are generally elongate, cylindrical worms that are usually 1-30 mm, but sometimes well over 100 mm in length. The body is segmented, and typically bears a few short bristles or hairs. Color is variable, but the ones I have collected in Southwestern Ohio are a very pale pinkish color. Most aquatic earthworms may be found in silty substrates and among the debris and detritus of ponds, lakes, streams, and rivers.

We all know that earthworms catch fish. The 'San Juan Worm' is an example of a fly that represents a worm. I suspect it was tied to represent a generic earthworm. This fly is tied in a variety of colors. If you know what color the aquatic worms are in the area you fish, tie using this color. I suspect that one tied with a pale pink chenille will work in most areas. If the fly is tied too long, you will get a lot of short strikes, so with this in mind, I will tie this fly approximately 25 mm in length.

MATERIALS

Hook - TMC 2487 or equivalent.
Size - 14
Thread - 8/0 pink.
Body - Pink ultra chenille.

TYING STEPS - click on pictures for larger view

1 - Place the hook properly in the vice. It is not a good idea to put the point of the hook in the vice, as too much pressure on this area can cause metal fatigue, and it wouldn't be much fun if the hook broke while you were playing a nice fish! Bend down, or roll over the hook barb, if desired. Some of the better hooks have a 'micro barb', which is a lot better on the fish. A lot of folks will still bend these barbs down, also.
2 - Attach the thread several hook eye spaces behind the hook eye, and lay on a thread base rearward, stopping past the barb of the hook. There will not be an exam on this step, so feel free to use your artistic license. Tie a half hitch.
3 - Cut a length of the ultra chenille about 25mm long. Have a pair of tweezers, hackle pliers, or etc., ready to hold the chenille. Get a lighter, candle, or etc., to heat the ends of the chenille.
4 - While holding the chenille in something to keep you from burning your fingers, light your heat source, but don't bring it near the chenille yet. Now slowly, and carefully move tip of the chenille toward the flame. You want to just cause the tip of the chenille to 'round over'. It is very easy to burn the material, so if this happens, just do this step over. Now do the other end.
5 - Line up the chenille evenly and hold on top of hook. Attach chenille with a couple of wraps of thread, one on top of the other. Bring thread to just in front of this location, and tie a half hitch. Bring the thread forward to the next attachment point, and tie another half hitch.
6 - Secure the chenille with a couple wraps of thread like the last step. Bring thread in front of the chenille, and tie a couple of half hitches.
7 - Lift up the chenille, and tie a whip finish . Snip off the working thread. Carefully put some head cement on the thread wraps on the underside of the fly.

The Buckeye United Fly Fishers, Inc is a non-profit corporation organized under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, incorporated in the State of Ohio for the preservation, conservation and wise use of our fishing waters and game fish; and to assist in the protection and improvement of our natural resources