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The Squirrel Suit Streamer // A Springtime Jig-Bomb Confidence Pattern
January 29, 2026 KynsLee Scott

The Squirrel Suit Streamer // A Springtime Jig-Bomb Confidence Pattern


The Squirrel Suit Fly (say that 5 times fast), designed by James St Clair, is a versatile jig-bomb style pattern built to get down fast, move naturally, and trigger aggressive eats. It’s a confidence fly for trout that fishes well across multiple techniques and truly shines during spring conditions, when flows are up and fish are holding deep.

At its core, the Squirrel Suit is about efficiency in the water column. Built on a jig hook and paired with a weighted bead, the fly sinks quickly and rides hook-point up, helping it reach the strike zone fast while reducing hang-ups along the bottom. This makes it an excellent choice as a point fly when fishing under an indicator, tight-line nymphing, or swinging. 

What gives the Squirrel Suit its edge is movement. The squirrel collar breathes and pulses with even the slightest current, giving the fly a lifelike presence on the dead drift. As the drift finishes, the pattern transitions seamlessly into a swing, where that same collar comes alive as the fly rises and slows.

One of the standout materials in this pattern is the squirrel used for the collar, sourced from Spent Fly Fishing Products - a brand we’re excited to welcome into the shop. Spent Fly Fishing Products is known for its thoughtful, small-batch approach to fly-tying materials. Guide owned and operated, Tom dyes all of his own products and thoughtfully sources all materials. No shortcuts - just high-quality materials prepared with care and intention.

That attention to sourcing and preparation shows in the water. The squirrel used in this pattern has excellent movement and durability, making it a perfect match for a fly designed to be fished hard and trusted in all conditions.

James shared some tips and pro tricks when tying this pattern:

  1. Be sure to trim every little piece of the squirrel hide off when attempting to drop the fur into your dubbing loop. This will save you the struggle!
  2. When brushing out the dubbing to finish the fly, be rough with it in order to lay those longer fibers out.
  3. Last step not shown on camera to complete the fly - trim the end of the squirrel hide into a point for an even greater streamlined profile.

Material List:

Filed in: euro nymphing, fly tying
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