By Son Tao - son@feather-craft.com
When most tiers think of fur for streamers and nymphs, rabbit usually takes center stage. It’s soft, flows beautifully in the water, and comes in just about every color imaginable. But another material deserves more attention — the pine squirrel. Once you tie with it, you’ll quickly realize why so many tiers love this underrated gem.
What Makes Pine Squirrel Special
The first thing you’ll notice about pine squirrel is its texture. The fur is shorter and denser than that of a rabbit, giving it a unique movement underwater — a subtle, pulsing life rather than the wide, undulating flow of a rabbit. That shorter fur also means less bulk, making it perfect for smaller streamers, leeches, and even nymphs where rabbit can sometimes look too “fluffy.”
Pine squirrel hides are typically tanned very thin, allowing for tight, compact wrapping without creating lumps. When palmered around a hook shank or used as a zonker strip, the material hugs the body nicely, maintaining a clean, natural profile.
Ideal Uses
One of the best ways to use pine squirrel is in micro leeches or small zonkers. On stillwaters or spring creeks, where trout get picky, these smaller patterns can be deadly. The natural motion of the fur looks like a living organism with every twitch of your rod tip.
It’s also excellent for collars, dubbing loops, and bodies on nymphs or streamers. I often cut the fur off the hide and spin it in a dubbing loop for compact collars that pulse in the current. The Swiss CDC Clamp or Stonfo Dubbing Loop Clips make trimming a breeze. The shorter fibers make for beautiful, neat heads and thoraxes — perfect for patterns like the Squirrel Leech, Pine Squirrel Slump Buster, or Mayer's Mini Leech.
Colors and Variations
Pine squirrel is available in a wide range of colors — from natural browns, olives, and tans to vibrant dyed shades like chartreuse and purple. The natural variations in the fur take dye beautifully, retaining a soft, rich tone that adds depth to your patterns.
For a more subtle, natural look, I prefer natural brown or olive. If I’m targeting aggressive trout in stained water, black or rust gets the nod. The fur’s sheen picks up light in a way that adds life to even the simplest fly.
Why I Prefer It Over Rabbit
Don’t get me wrong — rabbit still has a place on my bench. I use rabbit a lot for larger streamers and flesh flies but pine squirrel gives me more control and precision when I’m tying smaller flies. It’s less prone to fouling on the hook bend and doesn’t soak up as much water, which means easier casting and better sink rates.
Plus, pine squirrel hides are typically narrower, allowing me to cut my own custom-width strips for micro patterns. The result is a cleaner, tighter tie with just the right amount of movement.
Final Thoughts
Pine squirrel may not get the same spotlight as rabbit, but once you start tying with it, you’ll understand its appeal. From compact leeches to lifelike collars, it brings subtle realism and versatility to the bench that few other natural materials can match.
So next time you’re at your local fly shop, pick up a pine squirrel skin or a few pre-cut strips. Tie a few patterns, take them to the water, and watch how fish respond. Chances are, you’ll find yourself reaching for pine squirrel more often than you’d expect.
