Just having recently fished the Blue River directly below Dillon Dam, I sat down at the bench to tie up some Mysis Shrimp patterns. Having not tied this pattern before, I stopped by Trout's Fly Fishing in Denver to scope out the different Mysis Shrimp patterns that they sell. I like to buy a couple flies, take them home, stare at them, and then figure out a way to make the pattern my own. I did that with a few of the different patterns that I bought.
Below is my best looking imitation of standard Mysis Shrimp pattern. I could not find a recipe online, so I just took a guess at it, tying in materials that I think would make it look good. It took about a dozen ties until I settled on what I thought looked the best. Here is the recipe: Hook: TMC 101 in size 18, Thread: 8/0 White Uni-Thread, Tail: Egg Veil Milky White and Mirage Opal Tinsel, Abdomen: Hareline Dubbin Mysis Shrimp, Rib: Mirage Opal Tinsel, Eyes: 0X monofiliment ties in with X's, burned with lighter into ball, and then colored with black Sharpie. I had tried tying in the eyes with black midge tubing, but it was too hard to give them the correct proportions. Plus, the technique with taking a flame to the tippet material is just real fun! Who doesn't like playing with fire. I am anxious to see what this fly looks like after soaking in the water after a few drifts. I'm hoping that it turns almost clear when wet, but having just enough flash from Opal Tinsel. I know it's only Tuesday, but I am already dreaming of catching some monsters on the Blue with the patterns that I've tied. Happy fishing!!!
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| Standard Mysis Shrimp Pattern |
