American Woolly

All about flies Fly Tying
1

American Woolly

Hook - Mustad #94831 Size: 6
Thread - Black
Body - Black Hackle, Brown Hackle, Black Hackle, palmered. Tied as tight and heavy as possible. Trim to resemble a woolly worm caterpillar. Trim it flat or tapered on the ends.

Tying Tips: Easy to tie. Be generous with the head cement.

Fishing Tips: This is a great pattern for late fall. Bump it off a log or stone. Cast it in near the shore or in any pocket waters. Big trout love it ! Can also be used
for pan fish tied in smaller sizes or for bass in larger sizes. Trim the bottom of the hackle for a lower profile.

Historical Note: For years I?ve found these Woolly Worms (Pyrrharctia isabella) along the banks of American rivers. My fascination with caterpillars lead me to develop a high floating dry fly that closely resembles the ?Woolly? and that the fish just can?t refuse.

2

Norm,
Very nice! You have done a great job with a simple concept to create a great imitation that looks both effective and durable.
Thanks,
Ted

3

I tie mine standard red wool, yellow chenille, & grizzly hackle. It’s my “go to” for big bluegill, but I like the looks of this & plan to try it. Even with my eroding tying skills, I should be able to tie these.
Thanks,
Mike

4

i also tie them like this

5

Did you ever throw them at trout? Do they eat them? I never tried or tied them.

6

I like the hackled version better for what it is worth!
Mike

7

I have caught trout in Mossy Creek (in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley) on my version that I listed. Even as ugly as my poor ties are, they work on trout. :D:roll:

Mikey