How Do You Tie a Whitlock Fox Squirrel Nymph?
If you are wondering how to tie a Whitlock fox squirrel nymph, read on to learn how to tie this famous fly. It was originally created by legendary fly tyer, Whitlock, and is a popular choice for high country trout and bass fishing. The following steps will walk you through the process step-by-step. You will also learn how to tie a jig and rubber legs variation of Whitlock’s Fox Squirrel nymph.
How Do You Tie A Whitlock Fox Squirrel Nymph?
Learn how to tie a Red Fox Squirrel Nymph. This imitation flies has a bead head, rubber legs, and a flashy orange and tan color scheme. This fly is excellent for late season trout, smallmouth bass, and carp. Tie it with gold wire or oval tinsel for a dramatic effect.
The Red Fox Squirrel is one of the most versatile and effective nymphs available. The red color makes this a highly effective pattern in both dry and wet fishing. This nymph may be tied without the bead head. When using beads, they must be placed on the hook first. Beads may require a different hook style or size depending on how they bend.
Cut a small piece of golden tinsel or sparkle yarn and use it as a ‘body’. Wrap the gold tinsel around the abdomen, tying off the excess. Use a dubbing tool to tease out fibers along the abdomen. Use natural fox squirrel fur mixed with antron dubbing, Aunt Lydia’s Rug Yarn, or sparkle yarn to create the body of the fly. Tie the tail just before the bead.
Whitlock fox squirrel nymph
The Red Fox Squirrel, created by Dave Whitlock, is a versatile nymph that can be tied with or without a bead head. When tying with beads, the beads go on the hook first. You may need to grind down the bead barb to allow it to slip over the hook. If you’re tying a beaded version, you may need a different hook style or size.
Developed by Dave Whitlock during the late 1960s, the Red Fox Squirrel Hair Nymph is an impressionistic pattern that imitates a live Red-Fox, which is one of trout’s favorite foods. The fly has an incredible ability to fool trout into thinking that it’s an actual edible nymph, and rarely is ignored. Because of this, it’s effective on a variety of species.
A fox squirrel nymph can be tied using a number of materials, including a piece of red fox squirrel skin and wool yarn. Antron is the dark, furry back hair that makes up the body. You can also use mixed belly hair and Antron to dub the thorax. You may also wrap a hackle around the thorax.
To make the body of the nymph, combine some natural squirrel fur and a piece of Antron dubbing. You can also use glitter yarn, Aunt Lydia’s Rug Yarn, or sparkle yarn. Once you have your natural fur and the Antron dubbing, you can tie the entire thorax and stop just short of the bead. Don’t forget the head, as the tail is often the best part.
What do red squirrel tracks look like?
What is the name of the fly fishing knot used to tie a Whitlock Fox Squirrel Nymph?
The Whitlock Fox Squirrel Nymph knot is also known as the Whitlock Overhand Bend.
How do you tie a Whitlock Fox Squirrel Nymph knot?
- To tie a Whitlock Fox Squirrel Nymph knot start by threading your line through the eye of the hook.
- Then make a small loop in the end of the line and pass the loop through the eye of the hook again.
- Next take hold of the standing end of the line and the loop and form an overhand knot.
- Finally moisten the knot and pull it tight.
What is the advantage of using a Whitlock Fox Squirrel Nymph knot?
The Whitlock Fox Squirrel Nymph knot is a very strong and secure knot that is less likely to fail than other knots.
How long should the tag end be when tying a Whitlock Fox Squirrel Nymph knot?
The tag end should be long enough to make a small loop but not so long that it will come undone easily.
What is the function of the tag end when tying a Whitlock Fox Squirrel Nymph knot?
The tag end is used to form the overhand knot that secures the knot.
What material is the Whitlock Fox Squirrel Nymph knot typically made from?
The Whitlock Fox Squirrel Nymph knot is typically made from monofilament or fluorocarbon fishing line.
What is the breaking strength of the Whitlock Fox Squirrel Nymph knot?
The Whitlock Fox Squirrel Nymph knot has a breaking strength of approximately 20 pounds.
How do you know if the Whitlock Fox Squirrel Nymph knot is tied correctly?
The knot should be snug against the eye of the hook with the tag end pointing away from the standing end of the line.
What is the downside of using a Whitlock Fox Squirrel Nymph knot?
The main downside of using a Whitlock Fox Squirrel Nymph knot is that it is a little more difficult to tie than some other knots.
What is the best way to practice tying a Whitlock Fox Squirrel Nymph knot?
The best way to practice tying a Whitlock Fox Squirrel Nymph knot is to use a practice hook or a piece of line with the eye removed.
What should you do if you can’t get the Whitlock Fox Squirrel Nymph knot to tighten?
If you can’t get the Whitlock Fox Squirrel Nymph knot to tighten you can try adding a drop of super glue or knot sealant to the knot.
How can you make sure the Whitlock Fox Squirrel Nymph knot is extra secure?
To make sure the Whitlock Fox Squirrel Nymph knot is extra secure you can double it up by tying two knots instead of just one.
What happens if you don’t moisten the knot before pulling it tight?
If you don’t moisten the knot before pulling it tight the knot may slip or come undone.
What is the most common reason for the Whitlock Fox Squirrel Nymph knot to fail?
The most common reason for the Whitlock Fox Squirrel Nymph knot to fail is incorrect tying.
Can the Whitlock Fox Squirrel Nymph knot be reused?
Yes the Whitlock Fox Squirrel Nymph knot can be reused.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
