How to Tie the Pig Sticker (Worm Pattern) Fly

Jul 15, 2020 · 3 min read

How to Tie the Pig Sticker (Worm Pattern) Fly

Learn how to tie Pig Sticker Worm Fly pattern including step-by-step instructions, a video tutorial, pictures, and much more. Improve your fly tying skills here.

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This is a great pattern for large western freestone rivers or any trout fishing scenario when the water is off-color and you need to grab the attention of a feeding trout. Relatively easy to tie, this is a great prospecting pattern and should be used when fish can't be seen rising or feeding. This is also a productive pattern to use after large rains when runoff causes worms to float down into the river system. Tune in as Jared teaches us how to tie this simple pattern with step-by-step instructions.

Materials:

Buy Material Kit

Step One:

Curved hook in vise with tightly coiled silver wire body forming worm pattern fly, metallic sheen on dark brown background

Start the lead wire right above the barb of the hook and put 25-28 wraps on the hook shank. The number of wraps is important as it builds the taper of the fly. Tuck the ends of the wire in so they're not sticking out.

Step Two:

Red worm-pattern fly body wrapped on curved hook held in vise with trailing red thread, close-up fly tying for fly fishing

Cover the lead wraps with red thread starting at the hook eye and taking touching wraps past the end of the lead. Build a small taper/ramp at the head of the lead and try to keep your thread flat as you wrap rearward. Use the tag end of the thread to discourage the thread from burying in between the lead wraps. Once you wrap to just behind the barb of the hook, snip the tag end.

Step Three:

Red worm-pattern Pig Sticker fly mid-tie on metal hook in vise with glossy red thread wraps - fly fishing fly tying

Tie in the UTC Ultra Wire (to be wrapped as ribbing later). After tying in the UTC Wire, cover the lead with another pass of red thread. Again, be sure to take touching turns and try to keep your thread flat.

Step Four:

Red worm pattern fly body wrapped in red thread on a metal hook clamped in a vise, fly tying tutorial

Repeat the last half of Step 3 until you're happy with your thread coverage.

Step Five:

Red worm-pattern Pig Sticker fly wrapped with glossy red thread on curved hook held in vise, fly tying tutorial

Finally, rib the body of the fly taking wide, open turns with the UTC Ultra Wire. Use the thread to tie off the wire just behind the eye of the hook. After the wire is tied off, throw a whip finish and snip off the thread.

Step Six:

Red worm-pattern Pig Sticker fly on silver hook held in vise, glossy red thread wrapped, pink bodkin, fly tying close-up

Coat the entire fly with UV Fly Finish. Use the needle to spread the fly fishing evenly over the entire body of the fly. Once you're happy with the coating, cure it with a UV light.

Step Seven:

Red worm-pattern Pig Sticker fly with shiny ribbed body tied on curved hook in vise for fly fishing

And that's it! This is a pattern that can be tied in a variety of colors/styles to imitate a multitude of worms that are often present in a freshwater fishery after heavy rains.

Questions?

Give us a call here at the shop at (888) 413-5211 or email us anytime at [email protected].

Written by

Chandler Crans

Chandler Crans is a fly fishing expert and a former guide in Alaska. Whether he's reviewing the latest rods and reels, writing about where to fish, or helping a first-time angler pick the right fly line, Chandler combines real guiding experience with deep product knowledge and a genuine love of being on the water.

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