Paul's September 2013 Fly of the Month

Pink Squirrel Nymph

 

Hook:  Size 10 to 16 Curved Scud (Mustad 3906B) or nymph hook of choice.    

Tying thread:   Black.
Bead:   Gold.
Tail:  Rainbow Krystal Flash, 2-3 strands.
Abdomen:  Blend of Olive Ice Dub, burnt Orange Antron, & chopped fox squirrel.
Weight (Optional):  Wraps of .015 lead.
Rib (optional):  Red Ultra wire, x-small.
Thorax:   Pink Ice Dub.

This fly was developed by John Bethke of Westby, Wisconsin.  His original recipe calls for a pink hot spot collar of Coral Pink Chenille.  I prefer to use Pink Ice Dub.  It’s spikier and a little ‘brighter’.  This fly is really a variation of the traditional “Hare’s Ear”.  Many have called this a great cold weather or winter nymph.   I like to use it anytime through out the season.  It’s a great attractor pattern.

Begin by placing a gold bead on your hook.  Lay a base of thread from the hook curve to the bead head.  Return your thread to the bend of the hook and add lead wraps if so desired.  Don’t forget to “thread over” and cement your lead wraps.  Next tie in 2-3 strands of Rainbow Krystal Flash for your tail.  The length of the tail should be 1 hook gap.  Next, tie in your ribbing of Red Ultra Wire.   Blend and/or mix your dubbing for the Abdomen.  Dub a tapered body leaving enough room for your pink collar.  Rib the body of the fly and tie off your rib wire.  Dub a collar/thorax of Pink Ice Dub.  Tie off and cement the thread/knot of your fly.

This fly can also be viewed at the Housatonic Fly Fishermen’s Association website at  www.hffa.net .  If you have any questions about this fly or would like to submit a Fly of The month I can be reached at 203 305-3850 or e-mail me at pdinice@snet.net

Sometimes the most memorable fish are the ones that got away !

A few weeks ago I was fortunate enough to fish the Farmington River with my friend Jeff.  We were there in the early morning hours and like many summer mornings, there was a fine mist hovering over the water.  Not many fish were rising at that time of day.  Jeff managed to hook into a really nice fish on a brown mayfly emerger.  He didn’t land it but it sure did bend his rod.  Sometimes the most memorable fish are the ones that got away.