Pine Squirrel Zonker

The Squirrel Zonker is a simple baitfish pattern that has worked well for me, particularly on the minnow rich waters of SW Manitoba. Micro squirrel and mink Zonker strips are perfect for small minnow patterns.

[@ronaldmyers7784]

Tyed a lot of of flies over the years, done lots of expertmenting and am still learning.My first vice was a herter's vice.there wasn't much advice back then.Enjoy your programs.

[@PhilRowleyFlyFishing]

Thanks for your comments, Ronald. I am pleased to hear that you enjoy my videos. My first vise was a Thompson A that I eventually wore out during my commercial tying days.
Cheers, Phil

[@yoitoib1]

This has been my best producing fly this year. Thanks for a great pattern!

[@yoitoib1]

Hi Phil, I tied one of these but added a joint. First hook is a caddis, wide gape, second hook is a stimulator hook clipped off at the bend. I turn this one sideways, the joint is 12 pound mono. Adds wiggle. Then I made the body uv pearl crystal flash, and gills a red sliver lined bead. I plan on getting some dubbing for a less flashy version, but worked great the other night.

[@seanmooney3907]

very nice little baitfish pattern. I will be sure to tie some up. All the best, Sean

[@PhilRowleyFlyFishing]

Thanks Sean, glad you enjoyed it.
Cheers, Phil

[@rouryglen]

Great video will try these on Irish rivers cheers

[@PhilRowleyFlyFishing]

Thanks, be sure to let me know how you did.
Cheers, Phil

[@dakotabob10]

Another great body color combination is to blend UV Brown Ice dub and Olive Ice dub. It is very important to use the UV brown and not regular brown Ice dub. In experiments that I did in the Manitoba Parkland. The blend with the UV Brown added out produced the blend without the UV six to one. I tie most of these in size 6 2X long.

[@PhilRowleyFlyFishing]

Thanks Bob, I have had good luck with your combination after Mike A. introduced me to it.
Phil

[@stephenwelham]

Try using mono thread for your minnow patterns,try wraping a little bit of pearl flash before you whip finish,you can use any colour flash to match the pattern you are tying

[@PhilRowleyFlyFishing]

Thanks for the tip Stephen, some times I use a flashier pattern but this one seems to work when they steer clear of brighter flies. That's why I rely on the dubbing in this case. I have other patterns with a bit more flash that I will feature in coming videos. Still a great way to spice up this fly though.
Thanks, Phil

[@irvedenenberg7431]

Looks great. I have tied the squirrel & herl bugger very similar, without eyes. What do you think tying this pattern without eyes? Was this tied with sml wire? Is that strong enough to hold the squirrel tail? Big follower and have leaned so much , thanks Phil

[@PhilRowleyFlyFishing]

Hi Irve, I am glad you enjoyed the video, and thanks for the kind words.
You can certainly tie this fly without eyes. I have to admit a preference for eyed patterns as I believe they can be a key feature some fish species target. I have had no issues using the small wire in regards to durability.
Cheers