San Juan Worm
Hook: Tiemco 2457, 2xs Scud hook
Size: 10-12
Bead: 3/32" Tungsten, gold
Thread: 8/0 red
Body: Ultra Chenille, red
Notes: Years ago when I first saw this "fly" in Colorado I thought a friend was pulling my leg. "Why would a fish eat a pipe cleaner?" I asked. Then I remembered all the aquatic worms I'd pulled off my seines and returned to the water. None of the naturals ever had this claret red color, but I've come to understand that this is a very productive fly, especially for larger trout on tailwaters like the Mo. The large tungsten bead will often be all the weight you will need and I like it mid shank.
This fly pattern is excerpted from Fly Fishing Montana's Missouri River.