Fly Tying Inventory
Red Fox Squirrel Hair Nymph
Dave Whitlock's versatile nymph pattern using natural red fox squirrel fur for both the abdomen and thorax dubbing. The buggy profile with gold tinsel rib and soft-hackle collar imitates a wide range of subsurface insects and is a staple all-around trout nymph.
🪶 Ready to tie this?
This pattern needs 7 materials. Sign up free to check which ones you already own.
Materials
2X-3X long nymph hook, size 8-16 (e.g., TMC 5262 or Dai-Riki 710)
Black or brown 6/0
Lead or lead-free wire, 8-10 wraps
Red fox squirrel back fur guard hairs
Red fox squirrel back fur (with underfur), dubbed rough and buggy
Fine gold wire (optional)
Red fox squirrel belly fur (cream/tan), dubbed fuller
How to Tie the Red Fox Squirrel Hair Nymph
- 1
Step 1
Wrap the hook shank with 8-10 turns of lead wire and secure with thread. Start thread and wrap to the bend.
- 2
Step 2
Cut a small clump of fox squirrel back guard hairs and tie them in at the bend for a tail, about one hook-gap long.
- 3
Step 3
Optionally tie in fine gold wire for ribbing.
- 4
Step 4
Dub the back fur (including the dark underfur) onto the thread and wrap a rough, buggy body to the thorax area.
Don't over-groom the dubbing—the messy, spiky fibers are what make this fly so effective.
- 5
Step 5
If using a rib, counter-wrap the wire forward and secure.
- 6
Step 6
Switch to fox squirrel belly fur (lighter cream/tan) and dub a fuller thorax behind the eye.
- 7
Step 7
Pick out fibers with a dubbing needle for maximum bugginess. Whip finish and apply head cement.
Watch Tying Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1kQBoumyAs
Credit: Dave Whitlock / FFI Fly Pattern Encyclopedia; FFI Fly Tying Video Library