Troutline Squirrel Hybrid Dubbing
Trout Line Squirrel Hybrid Dubbing is a proven, best-selling blend developed to give fly tiers one material that can do “almost everything” — from slim nymph bodies to buggy thoraxes — while still looking natural and alive in the water. By combining approximately 50% squirrel with around 50% Transylvanian hare, and keeping part of the squirrel in its natural, undyed fibers, we created a distinctive “salt & pepper” effect: subtle contrast, depth, and micro-shades that mimic real aquatic insects.
Why this dubbing works so well in the water
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Natural translucency and depth: squirrel fibers bring a slightly silky, lively look; hare adds matte, buggy texture. Together they produce a body that looks clean yet natural, not flat.
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High “bugginess” without bulk: the blend gives movement and texture while still allowing thin bodies on small hooks.
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Salt & pepper contrast: mixing dyed fibers with a portion of natural squirrel creates soft highlights and darker points, helping the fly read as “alive” under changing light and in different water clarities.
Where it excels
This is a true all-round dubbing, especially strong for:
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Medium and small nymphs (slim bodies, collars, full thoraxes)
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Emergers (natural buggy profile, great for transitional stages)
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Wet flies (soft movement and a natural sheen)
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Dry flies (thorax dubbing for duns, CDC dries, and technical patterns)
Dubbing Guide:
|
Dubbing Type |
Texture (Fineness) |
Shine / Sparkle |
Floatability |
Best Use |
|
Kapok |
Ultra Fine |
Matte |
Very High |
Ultralight dry flies, midges |
|
Beaver |
Super Fine |
Matte |
High |
Dry flies, small bodies |
|
Muskrat |
Very Fine |
Subtle natural sheen |
Low–Medium |
Nymphs, emergers, dry flies |
|
Alpaca |
Very Fine |
Soft sheen |
Medium |
Small dry flies, emergers |
|
Opossum |
Fine, silky |
Low–Moderate |
Medium |
Emergers, soft dry fly bodies |
|
Rabbit |
Fine, soft |
Light natural sheen |
Medium |
Versatile: dries, wets, nymphs |
|
Fox |
Fine–Medium |
Subtle sheen |
Medium |
Streamers, dubbing loops |
|
Nutria |
Medium–Coarse, spiky |
Translucent gloss |
Low |
Lake nymphs, salmon flies, dry attractors |
|
Hare |
Medium–Coarse |
Dull, natural |
Low |
Spiky nymphs, wet flies |
|
Squirrel |
Coarse |
Matte |
Low |
Thoraxes, buggy wet flies |