Fly Tying Inventory
Squirrel Suit Streamer
Designed by James St Clair for Red's Fly Shop, the Squirrel Suit is a versatile jig-bomb style streamer built to get down fast and move naturally. The squirrel fur collar breathes and pulses with the current, giving lifelike movement on both dead drifts and swings. Built on a jig hook with a weighted bead, it sinks quickly while riding hook-point up to reduce snags. A confidence pattern for spring conditions when flows are up and trout are holding deep.
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Materials
60-degree jig hook (Umpqua XT500 X-Series), size 10
Tungsten Jig Bomb bead, 4.0mm
UTC 140 denier, tan
Lead-free wire, .020 diameter
Spent Fly Fishing squirrel strip (3/32 leech cut)
Arizona Diamond Dub by MFC for flash and body
How to Tie the Squirrel Suit Streamer
- 1
Step 1
Slide the tungsten jig bomb bead onto the jig hook and mount in vise. Start thread behind the bead and wrap lead-free wire on the shank for additional weight.
The jig hook rides point-up, significantly reducing bottom snags.
- 2
Step 2
Create a dubbing loop with Arizona Diamond Dub to form the rear body. Wrap forward to create a tapered, sparkly abdomen.
- 3
Step 3
Cut a strip of squirrel fur from the hide. Carefully trim every piece of hide off the fur before placing it in a dubbing loop.
Removing all hide material prevents clumping and ensures even distribution in the loop.
- 4
Step 4
Spin the squirrel fur in the dubbing loop and wrap forward to create a full, flowing collar behind the bead.
- 5
Step 5
Brush out the squirrel collar aggressively with a dubbing brush to lay the longer guard hairs back.
Be rough when brushing — this lays out the longer fibers for maximum movement in the water.
- 6
Step 6
Whip finish behind the bead. Trim the trailing end of the squirrel hide into a point for a streamlined profile.
Watch Tying Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-CaelYyOxw
Credit: Red's Fly Shop