The Bloodworm Imitation is a highly effective pattern designed to replicate the natural larvae found within stillwater lakebeds and slower river margins. Its slim profile and flexible materials give a lifelike movement in the water, closely resembling the natural wriggling motion of real bloodworms when they become disturbed.
This style of fly is particularly reliable during colder months or when fish are feeding close to the bottom. Whether used on reservoirs, small stillwaters or rivers after rising water levels, it provides a natural food signal that trout and grayling recognise instinctively. Available in a range of sizes, it can be adapted to suit deeper water, clearer conditions, or more aggressive feeding behaviour.
Please note all of our fishing flies are barbless unless otherwise stated.
Bloodworm Specification
Target Species - Trout
Tail - Swan Red
Body - Floss Red
Rib - Copper Wire
Thorax - Peacock Herls
Head - Black Silk
Hook - Barbless, Mustad of Sweden
How To Fish the Bloodworm Imitation
Stillwater Bottom Presentation
On lakes and reservoirs, fish this pattern using a sinking line paired with a relatively short leader. Allow the fly to reach the bottom before beginning a slow, irregular retrieve. Gentle twitches and pauses help mimic the natural wriggling motion of bloodworms moving through the silt, often drawing takes as the fly lifts slightly from the lakebed.
River High Water Approach
In rivers, these patterns really come into their own during higher or recently dropped water levels. Larger sizes work well when targeting bigger fish in coloured flows, while smaller versions are ideal as conditions clear. The natural profile can suggest anything from bloodworm to dislodged invertebrates carried by the current.
Bank Wash and Point Fly Method
On smaller rivers with soft soil banks, rising water can wash real worms into the flow and this imitation excels in those situations. Fish larger sizes as a point fly in deeper holes or heavier runs, with smaller patterns used on a dropper to cover different depths and imitate drifting larvae.
