In this week’s “How to Tie” feature, Lance Egan from Fly Fish Food walks us through his very own simple twist on a classic Euro nymph, Egan’s Sexy Walt’s Worm.
Learn About This Fly:
Difficulty: Easy
Walt’s Worm has long been a staple in the competitive angler’s box. It has all the makings of an effective fly, sporting a very simple and buggy profile. Lance Egan’s variation adds just the right amount of flair to take this pattern to the next level, especially when trout get picky. If pressure gets high on your local water this fall, be sure to tie on Egan’s Sexy Walt’s Worm to give the trout the perfect combination of flash and simplicity they can’t refuse.
This version is tied on a jig hook with a silver bead and flashy ribbing, giving it a subtle shimmer that triggers strikes from even the most pressured trout. Whether you’re fishing freestone rivers or technical tailwaters, this fly flat-out produces. To add your own twist, try different bead colors, ribbing materials, or dubbing blends to match your local conditions. Egan’s Sexy Walt’s Worm is a great pattern to batch out before a trip, and one you’ll reach for again and again.
Fish Egan’s Sexy Walt’s Worm on a Euro nymph rig with a sighter and long leader. It excels in pocket water, riffles, and seams, anywhere trout are holding deep. Whether you’re targeting wild browns or stocked rainbows, this fly gets down fast and stays in the zone. Without question, this is a confidence pattern for anglers who want results without overcomplicating things, and one you should have in your fall fly box.
Ingredients:
- Hook: Hanak H 400 BL Jig Hook – 14
- Bead: Hanak Round+ Slotted Tungsten Beads – Silver – 3.5mm
- Thread: UTC Ultrathread 70 Denier – Watery Olive
- Body Dubbing #1: Wapsi Sow Scud Dubbing – Rainbow
- Body Dubbing #2: Hareline Dubbin – Hare’s Ear
- Ribbing #1: Sulky Metallic Tinsel – Opalescent (8040)
- Ribbing #2: RIO Powerflex Tippet – 7X
Now you know how to tie Egan’s Sexy Walt’s Worm!
Video and ingredients courtesy of Fly Fish Food.
