How to Tie the Ultra Mysis Shrimp Fly

The mysis shrimp is a freshwater crustacean and a valuable food source for fish. The species was introduced to many reservoirs to provide a protein-rich food source for the reservoir fish. The shrimp, however, settled to the bottom of the reservoirs, out of the reach of reservoir fish. The unintentional consequence has been the spillover of the shrimp into rivers below dams. The increase in mysis shrimp in rivers has led to rapid growth in tailwater fish. The Ultra Mysis Shrimp fly imitates an important food source for these fish.

Things You'll Need

  • Vise
  • Curved nymph hook #12 to 18
  • White 6/0 thread
  • White Antron
  • Copper bead chain eyes
  • Small white wire
  • Small silver wire
  • Instant glue
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Secure the hook in vise. Begin wrapping the thread at the one-half point on the hook and stop at the hook bend.

    • 2

      Cut a thin strand of Antron and hold it on the bend. Adjust the length of the Antron to create a short tail with a maximum length of 1 inch. Make six thread wraps over the Antron to secure the tail.

    • 3

      Wrap the thread down the hook and stop with a small gap between the thread and hook eye. Hold a set of copper bead chain eyes on the shank and make 10 figure-eight thread wraps over the center bar on the eyes. Adjust the position of the eyes as you make the wraps to ensure they are level.

    • 4

      Cut 1-foot sections of small diameter silver and white wire. Lay both pieces of wire on the hook shank. Wrap the thread over the wires until you reach the base of the tail. Return the thread to the bead chain eyes.

    • 5

      Wrap both wires around the hook shank simultaneously. Make tight, consecutive wraps and stop at the bead chain eyes. Wrap the thread around the wires 20 times to secure the body. Cut the extra wires off the hook.

    • 6

      Cut a thin strand of white marabou and measure the fibers to match the length of the hook. Hold the marabou on the bottom of the eyes and make five thread wraps to secure the marabou collar.

    • 7

      Twist a thin layer of Antron around the thread with your fingers. Wrap the dubbed thread around the remainder of the hook shank to create a white head. Cover the front, back and center of the bead chain eyes with the Antron. Stop at the hook eye.

    • 8

      Make 20 thread-wraps against the hook eye to build a thread head. Apply a small drop of instant glue to the head and cut the thread off the hook.