Traditional Worm Fly?

[Kirkaig]

Hello,

I recall years ago learning to fish on Scottish lochs that the old hands would talk about fishing a "Worm Fly" - I remember it as a brown wooly body, with a red tag for a tail. They used to say that these flies (sometimes dressed on tandem hooks) fished very well in a rolling wave.

Can anyone point to a picture or reference on line that would help me tie one of these old flies?

Thanks!

Jon

[Chris Reeves]

Worm Fly Dressing (from memory)

2 Size 10 hooks joined together with fine wire
Thread Black
Each hook is then tied the same way:-

Tail, Red Wool
Body Peacock Herl
Rib Gold wire
Head Hackle Red game Cock

I have seen it tied with the tail only on the rear hook as well as tied on a single 4x long shank hook.

The Dambuster tied in the 70's was a similar fly but with a very stiff hackle and a green tail. That was designed for castinmg onto the dam at Grafham from a boat and meant to avoid damanging the fly on the concrete.

The Ke-He and several of the older loch patterns share similar dressings.

Hope this helps

[guest21]

Basically, 2 Red Tags in tandem (the red tag is usually omitted on the front fly). The bodies are usually peacock herl.

[rookstorm]

If i remember right it was just like two red tags tied in tandom,brown hackle, peacock herl body, red wool tag

[meiklebin]

Two hooks tied in tandem, mono whipped and superglued.
thread, black
tail, red wool
body. peacock herl
rib, small gold oval
hackles ginger hen.

[rookstorm]

lighthouse, bet we couldnt do that again, we must have both posted at the same time,you won. dont remember the gold rib

[troutheaven]

Originally Posted by Kirkaig

Hello,

I recall years ago learning to fish on Scottish lochs that the old hands would talk about fishing a "Worm Fly" - I remember it as a brown wooly body, with a red tag for a tail. They used to say that these flies (sometimes dressed on tandem hooks) fished very well in a rolling wave.

Can anyone point to a picture or reference on line that would help me tie one of these old flies?

Thanks!

Jon

Jon,

In my book 'Trout & Salmon Flies of Scotland' there is a pic of both standard & black versions (& the l/s variations) opposite p 59. The tying menus are on pp 97 - 100

[meiklebin]

These guys are quick!!!! I would have been quicker but I had to find yer book Stan!!!!!

[Kirkaig]

Good Lord! You men are lightening! Thank you very much.

The things I have forgotten since leaving Edinburgh! I'd completely lost sight of the lovely Red Tag.

Many thanks again.

Jon

[guest21]

Originally Posted by rookstorm

lighthouse, bet we couldnt do that again, we must have both posted at the same time,you won. dont remember the gold rib

I don't remember a gold rib either .... kids today will have their bling!

---------- Post added at 07:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:07 PM ----------

Originally Posted by meiklebin

These guys are quick!!!! I would have been quicker but I had to find yer book Stan!!!!!

This has always amused me ... ever since I was a kid I've been able to remember incredible details about fishing, flies and their dressings etc etc. If only I had the same ability to remember work related 'stuff' ... I'd probably be a 'Captain of Commerce' .... and incredibly bored!