Squirrel Dubbing

Squirrel dubbing is a popular material used in fly tying, prized for its natural texture and versatility. It is made from the fur of squirrels, typically from their underbelly or tail, and is often used to create lifelike bodies, thoraxes, and other parts of a fly. The fur has a mix of fine guard hairs and softer underfur, which provides a great blend of durability, movement, and natural sheen when tied onto hooks.

### Key Features of Squirrel Dubbing:

1. **Texture**: Squirrel dubbing has a fine texture, which helps create a realistic, soft body for many fly patterns.

2. **Color**: It typically comes in a variety of natural colors such as gray, brown, black, and tan. Some brands even offer blended colors.

3. **Movement**: The mixture of fine underfur and guard hairs provides good movement in the water, which can make the fly appear more natural.

4. **Durability**: While softer than some synthetics, squirrel dubbing is still quite durable, especially when used for dry flies, nymphs, and emergers.

5. **Application**: It is commonly used for dubbing loops, traditional fly patterns like the Partridge and Orange, or as a body material for nymphs and streamers.

### Tips for Using Squirrel Dubbing:

- **Use sparingly**: Because it can be bulky, you may want to use a small amount of dubbing and add it gradually to avoid making the fly too thick.

- **Blend with synthetic materials**: Some tyers blend squirrel dubbing with other materials like synthetic fibers to add durability or control texture.

- **Brush out after tying**: After finishing a fly, you can brush out the dubbing slightly to give it a more natural look and allow the fibers to move freely in the water.

Squirrel dubbing is a favorite for creating lifelike flies that resemble insects like caddis, mayflies, and stoneflies, and it’s an excellent choice for natural, soft-bodied flies.