How to Tie a Catalpa Worm Fly

Tie a catalpa worm fly to pursue game fish like channel catfish. The worm fly works especially well during the summer months. Catalpa worms get their name from the tree they feed on, the catalpa tree. The fly was originated by Mike Verduin and is also often referred to as Verduin's catalpa worm. Aside from channels, try casting for panfish with this productive fly.

Things You'll Need

  • Vise
  • Streamer hook
  • Black thread, size 6/0
  • Black goose biot
  • Lead wire
  • Fly foam.
  • Woven black and chartreuse vernille
  • White palmered hackle
  • Black squirrel dubbing
  • Head cement
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Instructions

    • 1

      Secure the hook onto the vise.

    • 2

      Attach the black goose biot at the end of the shank.

    • 3

      Tie one lead strip on the top of the shank and another lead strip underneath. Pat down and flatten the lead for a slim, vertical profile.

    • 4

      Cut a strip of 1/2"x3" open-cell foam then tie at the same spot where you attached the biot. Wrap the open-cell foam along the length of the shank and back to form the fly's underside. Tie off and trim excess.

    • 5

      Attach a piece of vernille and tie up to the bend of the hook. Tie an overhand knot to weave the vernille with the chartreuse. Pass the shank through the overhand knot to position the black vernille on top of the hook then tighten.

    • 6

      Place the hackle above the hook then tie knots with the vernille until the foam is enclosed and holding down the feather. Attach the thread again and tie down the vernille. Snip off the excess.

    • 7

      Palmer the hackle around the fly body and position the feather at the middle of the black vernille and tie off.

    • 8

      Put some black squirrel dubbing on the fly head then whip finish and secure with head cement.