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 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. High “bugginess” without bulk: the blend gives movement and texture while still allowing thin bodies on small hooks. 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: Medium and small nymphs (slim bodies, collars, full thoraxes) Emergers (natural buggy profile, great for transitional stages) Wet flies (soft movement and a natural sheen) 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