
San Juan Worm
Love it or hate it, the San Juan Worm catches fish. Incredibly simple to tie, deadly effective after rain or in discolored water.
🪶 Ready to tie this?
This pattern needs 3 materials. Sign up free to check which ones you already own.
Materials
Scud/curved nymph hook, size 10-14
Red or brown 6/0
Red or brown ultra chenille or vernille
How to Tie the San Juan Worm
- 1
Step 1
Secure the scud hook in the vise. Start thread in the middle of the shank.
- 2
Step 2
Cut a piece of ultra chenille about 3 inches long. Use a lighter to carefully taper both ends.
Hold the chenille at an angle and briefly touch the flame to create a natural tapered end. Don't burn it — just melt it slightly.
- 3
Step 3
Tie the chenille in at the middle of the shank with tight X-wraps, securing it firmly.
- 4
Step 4
Whip finish and add a drop of super glue to the thread wraps. Bend the chenille to shape — each end should extend about 1 inch past the hook.
Watch Tying Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciorxSybniI
Credit: Traditional (San Juan River, NM)