Pink Changer Worm for Steelhead

Pete's pink worm for steelhead season: articulated shanks, UV flash Polliwog tail, pink hen saddle changer sections, and a white Spawn slotted tungsten bead up front. Built to get eaten, not sipped.

Materials

Item Notes Shop
Spawn articulated shank 11 mm Front section start Fly tying shanks
Spawn articulated shank 12 mm Second section Fly tying shanks
Spawn articulated shank 19 mm Rear (eye cut / arm open per video) Fly tying shanks
Spawn UV flash Polliwog, fluorescent pink Tail / worm effect Tails, fins, claws
Pink hen saddle Four feathers per section Feathers
Hook ARX SA254 size 2 Trailing Fly tying materials
Spawn Super slotted tungsten bead, white Head Fly tying beads
Lead-free wire .0025 ~6 wraps under bead Fly tying materials
Pink thread 6/0 or 140 Match pink Fly tying materials
Head cement Lock feather butts Fly tying tools

Tools: Fly tying tools

Steps

  1. Start on an 11 mm Spawn articulated shank with pink thread. Tie in fluorescent pink UV flash Polliwog for the worm tail. Keep bulk low.
  2. Dress pink hen saddle (four feathers per section). Trim feather edges so thread bites the stems. Wrap, stroking fibers back each turn.
  3. Join the next shank (12 mm). Repeat feather sections as in the video.
  4. Build the rear on a 19 mm articulated shank (eye cut / arm open as Pete shows) if following his three-shank build.
  5. On the hook: ARX SA254 #2, six wraps .0025 lead-free wire, Spawn white Super slotted tungsten bead.
  6. Connect shank string to hook. Cement feather stations. Whip finish hard behind the bead.

FAQ

Why a white bead on an all-pink worm?
Pete wants the jig-head look up front. Fish eat it as a package.

Do I need three shank lengths?
That is Pete's build in this video (11 to 12 to 19 mm). Confirm on the checklist if a shorter two-shank version is fine.

Where are Polliwogs?
Tails, fins, claws