The Best Anglers Never Stop Learning

The Best Anglers Never Stop Learning

Emerger, Other

Son of a San Juan Worm

Insect Species Icon Annelid, Other
Difficulty Icon Easy - < 1 Min
Water Category Icon Coldwater, Warmwater

Tying Video

Become a Member

Sign up for full access to the Learning Center
and all the FlyBrary Content.
Tying Recipe
  • Hook: Curved shank, straight eye, nymph hook
  • Thread: UTC 70 Red
  • Body: Red Small Round Rubber
  • Finish: Head Cement/Hard as Nails

The Son of a San Juan worm is a relatively simple pattern, but there are a few substitutions that can be made to add your own flare to this fly.

  • Body: Using rubber-leg material, chenille or pearl braid can allow for the exact worm you’re looking for. Don’t forget that you can use multi-colored rubber legs to get really funky.
  • Head: Substituting in Krystal Flash or tinsel at the head can give you the advantage during runoff or off-color water.
  • Finish: Switching out head cement for an epoxy or fluorescing UV finish is a great way to add some spice to this fly.

Due to the simplicity of the pattern, there’s not a ton of possibility for variation; here are some ways to change your presentation.

  • Bead: Adding a brass/tungsten bead can help get things deep. Slotted beads and beads designed for jig-heads are good variations as well.
  • Body: When tying in the red rubber, you can anchor the material to the hook in the San Juan worm method instead of wrapping it around the hook
  • Finish: Using UV epoxy over the entire fly is a great way to provide a distinction from other anglers and their flies.

The Son of a San Juan worm is a really great pattern for use in your favorite tailwater. The San Juan Worm, and annelid imitating flies, will catch flies in every water system on the planet- and this one is great for your pickier fish that still like a good snack. This is an effective pattern as a lead fly, but has great versatility to be used as a trailer as well. No matter where you are fishing, this is a great fly to tie on that fish are sure to eat.

The Son of a San Juan Worm is a very effective fly and anglers shouldn’t have to worry as to whether or not the fish will eat this one- they will. Instead, focus on your presentation and be sure to fish your flies at the correct depth for your fishing holes. Be sure to cater tippet size, split shot and the mending of your drift to find success with this fly.

Annelid

Regional Hatch Chart Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Region: West, Northwest, East, Southeast, Midwest
Annelid
Sizes: #10 - #16

Other

No hatch chart data available for this selection.

Become a Member

Sign up for full access to the Learning Center
and all the FlyBrary Content.