Pine Squirrel Cheater - Step by Step

Step 1. Tie some in the morning ...

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/j...ps7d3b4ef0.jpg

Step 2. Fish them in the afternoon ...

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/j...psbb0ef70d.jpg

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/j...psba5c9cdd.jpg

This fly has consistently taken all species of trout available in the Intermountain West and Northern Rockies on streams and rivers like the South Fork of the Snake, the Henry's Fork, the Madison, Big Elk Creek, the Big Lost River, the Bitterroot and the Lochsa.

If you are into stripping baitfish / sculpin style streamers for trout, follow the link for the step by step.

http://www.flyanglersonline.com/fotw...tw20090921.php

John

P.S. There has been some very good feedback on the effectiveness of this fly from around the country - places like Virginia, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Missouri, and California. Not to mention Alberta, Canada.

John, I've had allot of luck with this pattern, in Black & Orange, the bass & crappies in our area luv it. Usually tied in either a #8 or #10 streamer hook. It is a great pattern and so simple to tie.

Mike

John, that is one of the most productive patterns I use and I refer to it as my "American Express" pattern because I never leave home without it!! : )

I have caught trout, bluegill, bass, crappie, catfish, black perch, walleye and just about anything that swims with the PSC. The only thing I do different is to weight the fly with some lead wire under the body and always use orange thread for the whip finish.

Great pattern and I thank you for sharing it.....

So, how do you furl that tail?




Sorry.

John I have always really liked the look of the PSC. In every shop around here I can't get pine squirrel zonkers and have just been too lazy/flaky/whatever to put together an order from one of the mail houses. I did tie a version with rabbit but I don't think when wet it gives the same effect as the squirrel. Well this summer I am going to get of my butt and actually order some pine squirrel and give them a go.

Kevin

I am also a fan of this fly. Some are with black tungsten beadheads and some have a muddler head. Easy to tie in all 3 variations, and REALY effective - also for smallmouth bass.

John,

I think you will find that the smallmouth bass will love the PSC and you should have a great time. If you happen to have any Pine Squirrel in Chartreuse you might tie up a couple to try. Smallmouth kinda like Chartreuse for some unknown reason. It would not hurt to have a couple in black too.

Make sure to post your results when you return. I will be interested in knowing how your trip went and the results.

Just happen to think that the recipe and the technique for tying this fly coincides with the thread about 'eelskin'. In both flies there is a part of the fly that is tyed using 'organic animal skin'. According to the DEC person quoted in the 'eelskin' thread, that means that that particular fly falls under the definition of bait and cannot be used in a fly fishing area. The quote by that official did not specify 'artificial lures only' area but using those flies in that type of fishing water seems like a logical extension too! Wrong!

It's not tied exactly the same because the tail and body are not one piece, but this fly with a chartreuse tail and black body is outstanding for the warm water fish around my area.

Joe