Spirit River Aussie Possum

Spirit River Aussie Possum is a natural fur dubbing built around the useful contrast between soft under-fur and spiky guard hair. The under-fur forms a smooth, workable base, while the guard hairs break up the outline and give the finished fly a naturally untidy character. It is an easy material to handle and a particularly versatile choice for nymph construction.

Construction and use

Use it for nymph abdomens, thoraxes and other bodies where a little texture is more useful than a perfectly clean finish. The blend can be dubbed tightly for a compact profile or left more open to show the guard hairs. For consistent results, apply only a small pinch at a time to lightly waxed thread. After forming the body, tease the fibres with a needle to expose the longer hairs and create the desired buggy outline.

• Fibre structure: Soft under-fur supplies the body, while guard hair creates a distinct spiky surface.
• Best suited to: All-purpose nymphs, especially patterns needing a textured thorax or abdomen.
• Body control: Dub it tightly for a neater shape or leave the fibres open for a rougher profile.
• Practical tip: Use small pinches on lightly waxed thread, then tease the finished dubbing with a needle.