Mini-Squirrel Popper

[NJTroutbum]

I began tying the Mini-Squirrel Popper as a small version of my Mule Deer diver. Eventually swapping squirrel tail for the bucktail to get the contrasting barring, and clipping the legs shorter. The result, over the past few seasons is what you see here. An easy to tie, durable and very effective panfish popper. The original in natural deer and the olive tied for the video, are my two most effective versions of the pattern.



MSP Recipe

Hook: #6 Gamakatsu Stinnger
Thread: 6/0 Black Unithread
Tail: Grey Squirrel Tail
Legs: Round Silicone
Hackle: Black Rear Collar
Body: Deer

For a full tying video, click on the link below:
Mini-Squirrel Popper Tying Video

 

[Anthony]

Very nice looking fly.

 

[GenCon]

Great looking pattern.

Gencon

 

[acesedgley]

NJ I gotta say this pattern has been a hit on several local lakes. I only tied 2 so far, one in chartreuse and 1 in olive. Had to use bigger hook cause Cabelas was out of 6's, but fish don't seem to care.

 

[NJTroutbum]

Thats great to hear! Its very consistent down here as well. How is your retrieve? Strip or twitch?

 

[acesedgley]

Varies...I try to see what they want. Strip hard to pop, twitch to stimulate interest, strip gently to swim. The fish tell me what to do. Sometimes just let it land!
There's a hex hatch on these lakes, and when it is coming off anything on top seems to work, but these seem to get better hook set than foam many times.

Check your PM...I had sent one but I have tried that before and the recipient said they did not ever get it.

 

[NJTroutbum]

Just saw it. Replied.

 

[whheff]

Nice fly and video.

 

[flyflicker]

Seeing the topic line....

For some reason I was expecting an articulated small squirrel replica. With half a walnut shell (hole drilled through) for the popper face!

Nice fly none-the-less!