Oh man, this little red bugger - the Bloodworm - it's just deadly when those midge larvae start popping. You know, those skinny red ones the trout go nuts for? I swear, some days this fly out-fishes everything else in my box.

I usually tie 'em small - size 18 down to 10, depending on what’s hatching and how picky the fish are being. Real simple pattern: just red thread or floss for the body, maybe a touch of maroon if the water’s stained. The key is that ribbing - fine copper wire or even contrasting thread - gives it that segmented look like the real deal. Makes it pulse in the current just right. Sometimes I’ll throw a tiny bead up front for weight, but honestly? A bare thread head works just fine most days.

Fish see this thing and lose their minds. It’s that classic bloodworm color - bright red like they just squirmed out of the mud. Trout, panfish, even smallmouth will hammer it when midges are on the menu. Works stupid good in those slow, deep pools where larvae drift, or right in the foam lines where the current dumps ‘em.

Had one day on the Madison last spring - ice-off, water still frigid - and nothing but this fly would move fish. Size 14, red thread body with a silver rib. Must’ve landed a dozen rainbows before lunch. That’s the thing about bloodworms - they’re everywhere, and fish never stop eating ‘em. Keep a few in your box, trust me.