Euro NymphsDurable Squirmy Wormy

A simple yet highly effective worm imitation designed by Cheech that features a durable, uniform body made from silicone squirmy material. The key to creating a uniform body is demonstrated in the accompanying video tutorial. This pattern can be tied in a vast array of colors and weight profiles to match different fishing conditions.

Overview

Developed by Cheech in December 2018, this pattern has become a go-to worm imitation for many anglers. The pattern's durability depends on keeping the flies cool, as extreme heat is the squirmy material's weakness. Soft Head coating adds extra durability and helps maintain the uniform body profile. The pattern can be tied in various colors including pink, red, tan, brown, and chartreuse to match different water conditions.

Materials

Hook: Fulling Mill 5067 Czech Nymph Heavy Black Nickel Barbless, #10
Bead: Plummeting Tungsten Beads Metallic Colors, 5/32" (3.8mm), Metallic Red
Thread: UTC Ultrathread 140 Denier, Red (or Semperfli Classic Waxed Thread 6/0, Red)
Body/Tail: Fulling Mill Original Squirmy Hot Pink or Red (or Spirit River Squirmy Wormies Hot Pink)
Body Coating: Loon Soft Head, Clear

Fishing Tips

Season

Effective year-round, particularly productive during high water conditions in spring and after summer rainstorms when natural worms wash into streams. Also excellent during winter when aquatic worms are a primary food source for trout.

Presentation

Dead drift along the bottom with a tight line or indicator setup. The squirmy material provides natural movement even in slow currents. Cast upstream and allow the fly to tumble naturally through runs and pools. In faster water, the weighted bead gets the fly down quickly to the feeding zone.

When to Use

Best during off-color water conditions or when no specific hatch is occurring. Excellent searching pattern when fish are holding deep. Works well in both clear and murky water, with color selection based on visibility. Pink and red colors are highly visible and work well in stained water.

Water Type

Highly effective in moving water including freestone streams, tailwaters, and spring creeks. Particularly productive in deeper runs, pocket water, and pools where trout hold during high flows. The weighted bead allows it to reach bottom quickly in various current speeds.

Rigging Suggestions

Fish on 9-12 foot leader with 4X-5X tippet. Works well as a point fly in euro nymphing setups or under an indicator in traditional nymphing. Can be paired with a smaller nymph as a dropper. Add split shot 12-18 inches above in deeper water if using lighter bead sizes.

Visibility & Floatation

Sinks quickly with tungsten bead, reaching depths of 3-5 feet rapidly. The bright pink or red color provides excellent visibility to fish and creates an attractor effect. Silicone material creates natural undulating movement in current. Keep flies stored in cool conditions to prevent material degradation.