Fly Tying Inventory
Pink Squirrel
Originally created by John Bethke from Wisconsin's Driftless Area, the Pink Squirrel is a buggy, natural-furred nymph with a signature pink hotspot collar. Its scruffy profile can imitate scuds, nymphs, or small baitfish depending on presentation. A crossover pattern adapted for Euro nymphing with jig hooks and tungsten beads.
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Materials
Scud/pupa or jig hook, size 12-18 (e.g., Dai-Riki 135)
Gold tungsten bead, 3/32" (2.5-3.5mm)
Black or fluorescent pink 8/0 or 70 Denier
1-3 strands of pink Krystal Flash (optional in some variants)
Red Ultra Wire, small
Tan Antron, natural fox-squirrel, and olive Ice Dub blended 4:2:1 ratio
Pink Ultra Chenille, micro
How to Tie the Pink Squirrel
- 1
Step 1
Slide the gold tungsten bead onto the hook and fix in the vise.
- 2
Step 2
Optionally add lead wire wraps behind the bead for extra weight in Euro nymphing applications.
- 3
Step 3
Lay a thread base from behind the bead down to the hook bend.
- 4
Step 4
Tie in 1-3 strands of pink Krystal Flash as a tail, keeping it short and sparse.
Some variants omit the tail entirely—both versions catch fish.
- 5
Step 5
Tie in small red Ultra Wire along the hook shank for ribbing.
- 6
Step 6
Blend dubbing (4 parts tan Antron, 2 parts fox-squirrel, 1 part olive Ice Dub). Dub a slim, tapered body up to the bead.
Keep the body tight for Euro nymphing; pick out a few fibers for a buggy look after finishing.
- 7
Step 7
Counter-wrap the red wire through the dubbed body to secure and segment it. Tie off.
- 8
Step 8
Tie in a small piece of pink micro Ultra Chenille directly behind the bead. Wrap 2-3 turns to form the signature pink collar/thorax.
- 9
Step 9
Whip finish and secure with head cement. Trim tail to a short length if needed.
Watch Tying Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yvy4KNLIHYs
Credit: John Bethke; Tim Flagler variant; JS Fly Fishing