Overview
This jig-style mysis pattern developed by AJ Jorgensen in the early 2010s features an offset bead head that helps it ride hook-point up, reducing snags on the bottom. The white coloration mimics the translucent appearance of mysis shrimp, while the berry-colored thorax adds subtle flash and color accent. The CDC collar provides lifelike movement in the water. Maxima Chameleon leader material creates realistic eyes. Specifically designed for tailwater fisheries where mysis shrimp are abundant and trout feed on them heavily.
Related patterns
Behavior & presentation
- Natural Behavior
- Mysis Shrimp drift with the current along the bottom, frequently tumbling and moving unpredictably through feeding lanes. Trout feed on these nymphs opportunistically as they become dislodged during movement or migration.
- Where Trout Eat It
- Tailwater trout intercept mysis shrimp flushed from reservoirs during dam releases, feeding near the bottom in specific depth zones where shrimp concentrate.
- How to Fish It
- Dead drift near bottom using Euro nymphing leader with 4X-5X fluorocarbon tippet. The jig-style weighted head sinks quickly and stays near bottom.
- Best Water
- Colorado tailwater runs immediately below dam outflows. Target moderate-depth pockets behind boulders and runs with consistent current.
- Strike Type
- Tailwater strikes register as brief weight increases or soft taps on the sighter during Euro presentations. Fish take mysis patterns gently, requiring immediate hook-sets on minimal indicators.
Fishing strategy
- Rigging Suggestions
- Can be fished as a single fly or as part of a tandem nymph rig. Works well on a Euro nymphing leader with 4X-5X fluorocarbon tippet.
- Seasonal Timing
- Effective in tailwater fisheries, particularly productive December through March during early when mysis shrimp concentrate below dams. Water temperatures between 38-50°F are ideal.
- Pro Tips
- Weighted jig pattern designed to sink quickly and stay near the bottom. The white coloration provides visibility in deeper water while mimicking natural mysis shrimp.
Where to fish it
Rivers anglers pair with this fly, with local shops that stock it.
River details and fly shops from River & Run, our sister site.
Entomology
Mysis shrimp perform daily vertical migrations, rising from lake bottoms at dusk and tumbling helplessly in dam outflow currents where they become concentrated in tailwater turbulence. Trout gorge on these calorie-dense crustaceans because a single feeding session on mysis can provide more nutrition than hours of hunting aquatic insects.
- Organism
- crustacean
- Life stage
- general
Pattern details
- Moving Water
- Rocky Mountain
- dead-drift
- indicator-nymph
- tailwater