How to Tie a Squirrel Zonker

Producer: Savage Flies

The Zonker fly pattern was created by Dan Byford of Steamboat Springs, Colorado in 1975. The “Slumpbuster” is a similar variant created by John Barr. The distinguishing feature of either is a fur strip, either rabbit or squirrel, cut in thin strips called “zonkers.” Who knows why.

Recipe
Hook: #4-10 streamer
Thread: Black
Weight: 0.020″ lead-free wire
Rib: Wire, sized to match the hook
Body: Yarn or dubbing
Wing: Squirrel zonker strip
Hackle: Squirrel zonker strip