Pink San Juan Worm

San Juan Worms should be in every flybox. Aquatic worms inhabit most waters. They are a very popular fly in Northern California USA. Many fly fisherman scoff at the use of the San Juan because it is not an "insect" imitation. Some people consider this a controversial fly, mostly because it has the word "worm" in its name. If it was called the "San Juan Stretched Caddis Larva" it would have more adherents. What do fish think it represents? Does it matter? It is fished dead drift near the bottom of rivers. The San Juan Worm is a true aquatic earthworm. It averages about two inches in length, and lives in the silty bottom of the San Juan river. Many rivers in the Rockies hold similar species. Fly fishers often imitate this worm with a length of chenille tied to a smaller scud hook.