Pikes Peak Region Trail Finder

One of the earliest flies I learned to tie was the San Juan worm.  Its beauty is in its simplicity and effectiveness.  With a little Chenille, a good 12 to 14 scud hook and a few minutes you can successfully piece together a great attractor that will catch the eye of the most leery lurker.

 My first fish nymphing was off of a red bead headed San Juan on the tail waters of Pueblo Reservoir.  Since then I make sure to have a couple of different sizes and colors anytime I fish at a tail water fishery.  Although I am sure it will fish in rivers abound; I feel that in any tail water it will pull the attention of inactive trout.  I have found that in the colder months if I have a San Juan tied on as an attractor I have caught more fish on my dropper than some of the other more popular flies.  

 I will post a video within the next week on tying the fly. There are several options to choose from.  If you would like to run wire around the chenille or a heavy tungsten bead to get the fly to sink faster the floor is open.  If the current is permitting I prefer to just run the chenille tied straight to the hook.   In this sense I feel less is more. Pictured is a version I like to tie with a little Red or Pink near the end for added realism.

In closing if you want an easy fly to tie that will bring them in, or wake them up give the San Juan a whirl.  You might just be surprised at what happens. Until next time.....Tight Lines!