The Woolly Worm is a classic and effective fishing fly that imitates a variety of aquatic insects and worms. Anglers consider it a versatile pattern that they can fish in a variety of ways, especially finding it effective in streams and rivers. Many anglers consider the Woolly Worm the less sophisticated cousin of one of the most popular and effective flies ever invented, the classic Woolly Bugger. Bearing the same DNA, it is just as effective as it’s famous cousin. If you are familiar with the Woolly Bugger, you will notice it largely resembles it, just short of the tail but with a tag of yarn in the place of the tail. It is a fly that may date back hundreds of years. Its design aims to imitate large aquatic insects like stoneflies, hellgrammites, damsels, dragonfly nymphs, and others. The fly is an excellent pattern for panfish such as crappy and bluegill. Vary the size and color of the fly to match the local insect and baitfish populations. Experiment with different retrieves and fishing techniques to see what works best in your local waters. The pattern can be fished any way you want–as a wet fly, as a dry fly, or as a nymph–and it’s effective in all parts of the water column.Good luck and tight lines!
