Dry FliesBloody Squirrel
The Bloody Squirrel is a dry fly pattern designed by Andy Simon. This effective pattern combines traditional materials with proven techniques for consistent results in a variety of water conditions.
Spring, Summer, Fall
Beginner
Trout
Feb 2026
Overview
Andy Simon's pattern combines the durability of squirrel dubbing with a red accent that adds visibility and suggests vulnerability. The natural squirrel fur creates a shaggy, buggy appearance that traps air bubbles for excellent floatation. The color contrast makes it easy to track while maintaining a natural profile that trout accept. Particularly effective in pocket water and runs where visibility is key for both angler and fish.
Materials
Hook: Grip 14723BL #14
Thread: Uni-thread 8/0, red
Abdomen: Marabou barbs, red; copper wire, dark - twisted together
Thorax: Seal's fur (or substitute), fiery brown and hot orange - mixed
Behavior & Presentation
Natural Behavior: Caddis sheltering beneath streamside vegetation wash into the current during rain, struggling against flow after being dislodged by heavy drops.
Where Trout Eat It: Fish patrol banks and undercut areas during wet weather, intercepting dislodged caddis and terrestrials concentrated by storms.
How to Fish It: Dead drift along banks with subtle twitches to mimic struggling insects. Fish undercut areas and bank edges actively.
Best Water: Focus on bank edges, undercut structures, foam lines collecting storm debris, and seams near vegetation.
Strike Type: Watch for aggressive takes or confident rises as fish capitalize on storm-driven food sources.
Fishing Strategy
Rigging Suggestions: Use a 9-12 foot leader tapering to 5X tippet for delicate presentations. Apply floatant to the body and hackle.
Seasonal Timing: Most effective during peak feeding periods at dawn and dusk. Water temperatures between 45-65°F typically produce best results.
Pro Tips: The squirrel hair dubbing creates a buggy profile with excellent flotation. The red tag provides a strike trigger when fish are being selective to standard patterns.
Entomology
Adult caddisflies shelter under streamside vegetation during rain events and get dislodged by heavy drops, washing into the current where they struggle against the flow. The increased terrestrial activity during wet weather provides bonus feeding opportunities for trout that patrol banks and undercut areas during storms.
- Order
- Trichoptera
- Common Name
- Caddisfly
- Organism Type
- insect
- Life Stage
- adult