How to Tie the Woolly Worm Fly: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Fly Tying

May 13

The Woolly Worm is a classic and versatile fly pattern that imitates a wide range of aquatic insects, making it a must-have for any fly angler's box.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Lay the Thread Base
Start your fly by laying a smooth black thread base from the eye of the hook to the start of the bend.

Step 2: Tie in the Tail
Select red hackle fibers and tie them in at the bend of the hook. The tail should be about 1 cm in length.

Step 3: Add the Ribbing
Secure a piece of silver wire at the tail tie-in point. Leave it hanging for later use.

Step 4: Attach the Chenille
Tie in black chenille at the base of the tail. Wrap the chenille forward in close, even turns, maintaining consistent thickness, and stop just before the hook eye.

Step 5: Secure the Chenille
Use a few thread wraps to lock the chenille in place, then trim off any excess.

Step 6: Prepare the Grizzly Hackle
Select one grizzly hackle feather and tie it in shiny side up at the front of the chenille body.

Step 7: Wrap the Hackle
Palmer (wrap) the grizzly hackle feather evenly back toward the tail in open spirals.

Step 8: Counter-Wrap with Wire
Grab the silver wire you left hanging and counter-wrap it over the hackle towards the eye of the hook. This secures the hackle and adds durability.

Step 9: Tie Off and Finish
Once at the front, tie off the wire, trim the excess, and clean up the head with a few thread wraps. Whip finish your thread and cut it off.

Step 10: Apply Head Cement
Add a small amount of head cement to the thread wraps at the head of the fly to ensure durability.