If there's one nymph that belongs in every trout box, this is it.
Hans has been fishing and refining the Red Fox Squirrel Nymph for years, and this is the version he actually keeps in his own box. It stays close to Whitlock's original vision — natural squirrel fur, that warm reddish dubbing body, soft hackle collar — but with a few refinements that make it fish even better. A copper tungsten bead gets it into the strike zone fast, the tan iridescent rib adds just a touch of flash without overdoing it, and the CDL hen cape hackle gives it that soft, pulsing movement that trout can't seem to leave alone.
The picked-out dubbing body traps air bubbles and light, giving the fly a subtle glow and a breathing quality that tighter, cleaner patterns just can't replicate. It's not trying to imitate a specific insect — that's intentional. The RFSN suggests something vulnerable: a mayfly nymph, a caddis larva, a soft-shell crustacean. Trout buy it in any season, on almost any river.
Simple to tie, deadly to fish, and proven over decades. There's a reason this one never leaves the box.
Sizes 12–18
Hook: Fulling Mill Heavy Weight Champ or Similar size 12-16
Bead: Round Tungsten Copper sized to match
Thread: Classic Waxed Fl Red 8/0 or 12/0
Tail: Squirrel Guard hairs from squirrel strip or body piece
Rib: Tan Iridescent thread
Abdomen: Whitlock SLF Red Fox Squirrel Abdomen or SLF Squirrel squirrel belly dubbing
Thorax: Whitlock SLF Red Fox Squirrel Thorax or SLF Squirrel Dub Natural Fox Squirrel
Soft Hackle: Hen Cape Feather- I prefer the CDL Hen Capes from Whiting, but any hen cape/neck feather will work. Color should be light brown - ish
