NymphTwist and Shout Worm
The Twist and Shout Worm is a deceptively simple yet highly effective aquatic worm imitation that uses ultra chenille to create a segmented, translucent body. This minimalist pattern features just tan ultra chenille wrapped on a curved hook, creating the natural appearance of the various aquatic worms that trout encounter in their environment. The name references the twisting motion used during construction and the reaction it provokes from fish.
Year Round
Beginner
Trout
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box demonstrates that effective flies don't need to be complicated. The ultra chenille creates a segmented, slightly translucent body that accurately suggests various aquatic annelids and worms. The tan coloration matches a wide variety of natural worms found in streams and stillwater. The Tiemco 3761 is a standard nymph hook with a slight curve that helps the fly move naturally in the current. The brown thread creates a subtle head and secures the chenille. This pattern excels when trout are opportunistically feeding on worms that have been dislodged from the substrate by high water, wading anglers, or natural disturbance. Unlike the more famous San Juan Worm or Squirmy Wormy, this pattern uses ultra chenille for a more subtle, segmented appearance.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 3761, #14
Thread: Magpie Thread 72D, brown
Body: Ultra Chenille, tan
Fishing Tips
Season
Effective year-round as aquatic worms are present in all seasons. Particularly productive after rain events or during high water when natural worms are dislodged from the substrate.
Presentation
Fish with a dead drift along the bottom. Worms have no swimming ability and simply tumble helplessly in the current, so a natural drift is essential. Fish it deep and slow, especially in slower pools and runs.
When to Use
Select this pattern when fish are feeding opportunistically near the bottom, after rain events, or when other patterns aren't producing. Works well as a confidence pattern or attractor in a multi-fly rig.
Water Type
Versatile pattern for both moving water and stillwater. Works in riffles, runs, and pools in rivers, and near the bottom in lakes. Particularly effective in areas with soft substrate where worms naturally occur.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 9-12 foot leader with 4X-5X fluorocarbon tippet. Add split shot as needed to get the fly bouncing along the bottom. Works well as a dropper below a dry fly or indicator, or as part of a euro nymphing rig.
Visibility & Floatation
This is a sinking pattern designed to probe the bottom of the water column. The tan coloration provides good visibility in most water conditions while matching natural worms.
