DVFF Flies Worth Tying : Rusty Squirrel

Fly Tying Instructions: Rusty Squirrel

TYPE:

Streamer/Attractor

SIMULATES:

Baitfish

HABITAT:

Freshwater Rivers

DESIGNED TO TAKE:

Steelhead, Pacific Salmon

BACKGROUND:

Originated by master tier Jim Victorine of Loomis, Calif. Well known in northern California fly fishing circles, Jim started fly fishing at age 11 and has tied flies, often professionally, for nearly fifty years. The Rusty Squirrel has enticed innumerable steelhead trout and several species of Pacific salmon since first developed in late 1974. The Rusty Squirrel was first featured by John McKim in the "Tie Flyer" section of the Spring 1976 edition of the FFF BULLETIN of the Federation of Fly Fishers.

MATERIALS:

Hook:	Sizes 8-2 Tiemco TMC 7999 TU Tapered Loop Eye Forged, Black
Thread:	Size "A" Nymo or Equivalent, Burnt Orange
Weighting (Optional):	#2 Fuse Wire
Tail:	Squirrel Tail, Dyed Black
Body:	Gold (or Silver or Copper) Diamond Braid
Tag:	Gold (or Silver or Copper) Diamond Braid
Hackle:	Bright Red-Orange Saddle
Wing:	Red Fox Squirrel Tail
Eyes:	Gold Bead Chain, Medium to Large
Collar:	Fluorescent Burnt Orange Chenille
Head:	Tying Thread
Other:	Methacrylate "Super Glue"

INSTRUCTIONS:

Start behind hook eye. Wrap to bend. Wrap 8 to 12 turns lead wire at mid-shank; secure with thread. Select clump of black squirrel tail hairs; tamp tips even. Tie in atop shank above midpoint between hook barb and point. Post at 45 degree angle.
Advance thread to 1/4 inch behind eye. Tie in diamond braid. Wrap back behind tail to form tag, then forward to starting point. Tie off, clip excess.
Tie in hackle butt at start of body. Spin 3 to 4 turns, tie off, clip excess. Wrap back wet style.
Trim off medium clump red fox squirrel tail hairs; tamp tips even. Tie in as down wing, tips extending to 2/3 length of tail.
Tie in collar chenille behind bead eyes. Spin collar, tie off, trim excess.
Form small head between bead chain and hook eye. Whip finish, clip thread, cement.