Euro NymphsRed Fox Squirrel Jig

A modern jig-hook adaptation of Dave Whitlock's classic Red Fox Squirrel Nymph that combines traditional dubbing materials with contemporary euro nymphing techniques. The sulphur orange and brown hare's mask dubbing creates a natural, buggy profile while the squirrel collar adds lifelike movement. This versatile attractor pattern has proven effective across all seasons and water types.

Overview

Dave Whitlock designed the original Red Fox Squirrel Nymph many years ago as a general attractor pattern that imitates various aquatic insects. This modern variation by Cheech adds a jig hook for better hook-up ratios and snag resistance, plus a natural gray squirrel collar for enhanced movement. The combination of sulphur orange and brown dubbing creates a two-tone body that suggests segmentation. Field-tested in January conditions, this pattern continues to produce as effectively as in prime summer months.

Materials

Hook: Hanak H 400 BL Jig Hook, size #12 (or Hanak H 480 BL Jig Hook, size #12)
Thread: UTC Ultrathread 70 Denier, fluorescent orange
Bead: Hanak Round+ Slotted Tungsten Beads, gold, 4.0mm (or Firehole Stones Plated Slotted Tungsten Beads, gold, 4.0mm/5/32"; or Hareline Slotted Tungsten Beads, gold, 5/32"/3.8mm)
Tail: Whiting 4B Hen Saddle, variant speckled brown
Body: Nature's Spirit Hare's Mask Dubbing, sulphur orange
Rib: UTC Ultra Wire, sculpin olive, brassie
Thorax: Nature's Spirit Hare's Mask Dubbing, brown
Collar: Squirrel Body Pieces, natural gray

Fishing Tips

Season

Year round effectiveness makes this a true four-season pattern; particularly productive during spring mayfly emergences March through May, effective through summer stonefly activity, and reliable during fall Baetis hatches September through November; proven to work even in cold January conditions when most patterns fail.

Presentation

Dead drift in euro nymphing rigs for precise depth control, or fish under an indicator in traditional nymphing setups; the jig hook design allows it to ride point-up through pocket water and around structure; cast upstream and maintain contact throughout the drift for optimal strike detection.

When to Use

Excellent searching pattern when no visible hatch is occurring due to its general attractor qualities; most effective when trout are feeding opportunistically on a variety of subsurface insects; works well in off-color water where the gold bead and orange dubbing provide visibility; productive throughout the day but especially effective during low-light conditions.

Water Type

Versatile across both moving water and stillwater environments; excels in freestone streams, pocket water, runs, and riffles where its buggy profile appeals to feeding trout; equally effective in tailwaters and spring creeks; in stillwater, fish near structure, weed beds, and drop-offs where aquatic insects are abundant.

Rigging Suggestions

Fish on 9-12 foot leaders with 4X or 5X tippet depending on water clarity; works as a point fly in two-fly euro rigs with lighter patterns above, or as a single fly under an indicator; the 4.0mm tungsten bead provides sufficient weight for most situations without additional split shot; in deeper runs or faster water, add weight 18-24 inches above the fly.

Visibility & Floatation

Sinks quickly due to the 4.0mm tungsten bead, reaching depths of 3-5 feet in moderate current; the gold bead and fluorescent orange thread create an attractive hot spot while maintaining natural appearance; the jig hook ensures proper orientation with the point riding up to reduce snags; the squirrel collar pulses with current creating lifelike movement that triggers strikes.