Conehead Slump Buster Pine Squirrel

The Conehead Slump Buster is a streamer designed to imitate small baitfish, leeches, or other swimming prey. The pine squirrel strip creates a natural, lifelike motion in the water, while the conehead adds weight and a jigging action that helps the fly get down quickly. It’s effective for trout, bass, and other predatory fish that feed on smaller fish, and it works well when stripped with erratic retrieves or swung through current.

History

The Slump Buster was created by John Barr, a well-known Colorado fly designer, as a simple but deadly streamer to “bust a slump” when other flies weren’t producing. Pine squirrel was chosen over rabbit for its dense, supple fur, which pulses in the water and maintains a slim profile. Adding the conehead increased its versatility, allowing anglers to fish it deeper without additional weight. Since its introduction in the 1990s, it has become a staple in modern streamer boxes across both rivers and lakes.