Skunk?

[David Parker]

I do know there are fly patterns out there by the name "Skunk", but my real question for the Gurus of this site is...............
Are there any fly patterns anyone may know of which actually uses Skunk Hair in the construction of a particular fly pattern?

It may not be the most pleasant smelling materials to work with unless thoroughly de-scented, but I'm curious because of all the other natural materials out there which we use in our endeavours.

[whatfly]

Interesting question because I've never seen a pattern that called for skunk per se. I know folks who use skunk as a polar bear substitute in wings for steelhead flies, and while I've never seen pattern that calls for skunk explicitly, I would not be surprised to find one.

[john52948]

according to my universal fly tying guide by dick stewart, copy write 1979 , the pattern listed on page 45 called the skunk. uses both black and white skunk tail.

[narcodog]

I have tyed a few with skunk, both black and white and red and white. As was stated the white makes nice hair wings. The under fur can be used for nymphs. Oh it doesn't stink.

[John Rhoades]

How about the well known Green Butt Skunk steelhead fly?

Charlie Brooks also tied a Skunk Hair Caddis.

[Longs for Cutts]

The original Skunks (both Green Butt and original) used skunk hair. It was replaced on commercial versions by bucktail since it's so much easier to get. You can get skunk hides from furriers for a pretty fair chunk of change, but the hair really is nice.

[John Rhoades]

The original Skunks (both Green Butt and original) used skunk hair. It was replaced on commercial versions by bucktail since it's so much easier to get. You can get skunk hides from furriers for a pretty fair chunk of change, but the hair really is nice.

There are also more than a fair number of dead skunks lying all along Hwy 89 during the summer, free for the taking for anyone who doesn't mind a bit of scent.

[Uncle Jesse]

Maybe this will help: http://www.flyanglersonline.com/flyt...010801fotw.php

[ducksterman]

There seems to be a dichotomy here....there are many patterns that are called "skunk" because they are black and white and what this thread is after is what patterns actually use skunk fur originally .

[redietz]

There seems to be a dichotomy here....there are many patterns that are called "skunk" because they are black and white and what this thread is after is what patterns actually use skunk fur originally .

Many of those patterns called "skunk" are, in fact, tied with skunk. (As mentioned, the steelhead flies are an example.) Also, as mentioned above, it's been used as a sub for polar bear for decades. I usually use it for both the white and black parts of a Blacknosed Dace.