This is a cool pattern and a fly that I know about having known Matt Bethke who owns The Driftless Angler Fly Shop in Wisconsin. This is a well known pattern in that area.
-Paul
From Savage Flies:
“Created by John Bethke (circa early 2000s) of Westby, WI, the Pink Squirrel has found popularity throughout the Driftless region (and the west in general). A simple but effective fly, the pattern is thought to be a general attractor nymph or possibly even a scud.”
Materials list:
Hook: #10-16 heavy scud
Bead: Gold, sized to match hook
Thread: Brown
Weight: Wire, sized to match hook
Tail: Krystal flash
Rib: Red wire
Body: Squirrel fur (with amber Sparkle Yarn if desired)
Collar: Pink chenille (or fur on the smaller sizes)
That’s great! This caught my eye because the Pink Squirrel was the first “requested” fly for me to tie when I opened my IG account. Great video and that book referenced is “awesome” and one of the first pattern books I purchased.
That’s great Freddy!
I’m glad you connected with this fly. Very cool!
-Paul
I love this pattern! I’ve fished this on point when contact nymphing and it does pretty well for getting deep despite how buggy it is.