The San Juan Worm
There are many folks that believe that the San Juan worm fly is specific to the San Juan River. I’m not sure if this is the origin of the pattern or not, however, the fact remains there are aquatic worms in many rivers and fish are not shy about eating them.
There are some fly fishing purists who say this is worm fishing. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. However, almost everything we fish imitates something naturally found. Is fishing a mouse pattern any more prestigious than fishing the lowly worm? How about fishing a sculpin pattern? Better yet, what does a purple haze truly represent? I haven’t seen too many purple bugs on the water…….Truth is, we fish all of these patterns because they catch fish. Period.
Folks like to poke fun of the ‘ole worm. I get it. However, let’s just say there aren’t too many other flies that habitually win one fly tournaments like the San Juan worm does. So, poke fun of that! It’s a fantastic pattern, there are worms in almost every water system, and the fish love them. I personally like a double rig of a stonefly pattern and a worm pattern. You can make fun of me if you like, but I’ll get the last laugh with far more fish to hand……and fun.