Dave Whitlock created this pattern called the red fox squirrel nymph some years ago. It is an awesome pattern for both cold and warm water species.
Dave calls this fly his favorite and for good reason. It is an absolutely excellent fish getter. Deserves space in your crowded fly box in a range of sizes. I have used this pattern to take rainbow trout, brown trout, steelhead, salmon, smallmouth, largemouth, carp, panfish, rockbass, and even a northern pike. What else can I say? Easy to tie and easy to fish. Don't leave home without it.
Dave actually tied this fly shown here, while teaching a class at Flymart Flyshop. John Vincent of Flymart, has fly tying days where celebrated tiers from around the country come in to the shop for a day of tying, instruction and fun. This is a great way to learn from tiers like Dave Whitlock, in a small personal setting. Lots of events are on tap for 2004 at Flymart. Make sure to come here often, to stay informed. Thanks to Dave for sharing his patterns and information with us.
Whitlock's Red Fox Squirrel Nymph
Members : You can view a higher resolution image here
| Hook: |
2x or 3x long nymph, size 4 to 16. Mustad 9671 or 9672; Eagle Claw 63 or 58; Tiemco 5262 or 5263; Daiichi 1710 or 1720 |
| Thread: |
Brown or black 8/0 Uni-thread and 3/0 Monocord or 6/0 Flymaster |
| Body: |
Red fox squirrel hair mixed with an equal amount of comparably-colored Antron dubbing or similar |
| Tail: |
Red fox squirrel guard hair |
| Thorax: |
Red fox squirrel hair mixed with an equal amount of dark gray Antron dubbing or similar |
| Other: |
Underbody: Fine lead free wire.
Legs: Dark mottled partridge, grouse or hen hackle |
| Instructions: |
Available at : Fly Fish America Magazine or you can read about why this is Dave's favorite fly at Fly & Field Magazine
Dave tied this up while teaching a class at Flymart Fly Shop. |
| Credit: |
Tier and Originator : Dave Whitlock
Photo © 2003 Jeff Selser |
About Dave Whitlock
Dave is a native Oklahoman, now living in Arkansas, who resigned his position as a research chemist, more than 30 years ago, and pooled his talents in painting, illustrating, writing, photography, fly fishing & tying and lecturing to embark on a new career as a full time professional in the art of fly fishing.
Dave's art and writing appear regularly in many fly fishing and sport publications such as Fly Fisherman Magazine, Fly Fishing and Tying Journal, Trout and In-Fisherman and Field & Stream. He's written four books: Dave Whitlock's Guide to Aquatic Trout Foods, the L.L. Bean Fly Fishing Handbook, the L.L. Bean Bass Fly Fishing Handbook and Imitating and Fishing Natural Fish Foods for Lefty's Little Library.
Dave has also co-authored or contributed to many other books, including The Flytyer's Almanac, Second Flytyer's Almanac, Art Flick's Master fly tying Guide, McClane's Fishing Encyclopedia, Migel's Stream Conservation Book and Masters on the Nymph and others. He's illustrated more than 20 books including Steve Raymond's Year of the Angler and Year of the Trout plus President Carter's Outdoor Journal. Dave also demonstrates his fly fishing and teaching skills in eight videos and through guest appearances on televised fly fishing programs.
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