Jigged Pink Squirrel Variant: Jigged Nymph Tutorial

In this video Simon ties his take on a Midwest classic. The Pink Squirrel nymph was invented by John Bethke of the Driftless area in Wisconsin. His two sons still guide in the area, and Simon was lucky enough to have a trip years ago with one of the sons. Upon talking to the two brothers over the years, he learned they both have lived in Eugene/Blue River years ago and have fished our waters extensively … small world. Traditionally it was tied on a scud hook, used spiky squirrel dubbing, and loads of pink chenille for the collar. This fly is a staple on the limestone spring creeks of the Driftless area. Many people who have fished those creeks are familiar with the fly. Nowadays, many fly manufacturers have several spinoffs of the fly too, so it is a familiar looking fly. There are a plethora of food choices in the rich streams of the Driftless, mayflies, craneflies, caddis, small stones, loads of scuds and annelids, etc. The original fly is suggestive of an egg sucking scud, but could make a great imitation for mayflies, caddis, and cranefly larva. The fly serves as a true attractor pattern. Simon tweaked the fly for our Willamette Valley waters. He slimmed down the body and added a large bead to get the fly down in our waters. A super hot collar of Senyos Fusion Dub acts as a smaller, but brighter hot spot. Simon likes to fish this fly under a dry during the summer and in the winter in tandem with a larger stone. He has had luck with this fly all over Oregon, in Northern California, Central Washington, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and of course in The Driftless Area. Sizes can be changed depending on your need. Simon likes to size down in the summer for fishing tributaries and lower/slower water.

Here is the original Pink Squirrel tied by John Bethke of Wisconsin

Jigged Pink Squirrel Variant 

Hook- Fulling Mill Jig Force Short 5125: Size 16

Bead- Hareline Slotted Gold Tungsten Bead: 5/32, 3.8mm

Thread- Danville’s 70 Denier Fl Pink

Flash- Hareline Krystal Flash: Gray Ghost

Dubbing- Hareline Hare’s Mask Grade 1

Ribbing- Uni Gold Soft Wire: Medium

Collar- Hareline Senyo’s Fusion Dub: Pink Lady

Additional Tools- Overton’s Wonder Wax & Hareline Zirconia Dubbing Rake

Bobbin- Smhaen Tension Bobbin

Resin- Solarez Bone Dry

UV Light- Loon UV Plasma Light

Vise- Renzetti Traveler 2304 & Renzetti Streamer Base

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