Scud / ShrimpOstrich Mysis

The Ostrich Mysis is an excellent imitation of a Mysis shrimp that is often found in tailwaters below dams, making it a go-to fly for trout in these environments. The use of ostrich herl gives this fly great movement and realism underwater.

Season
Year Round
Difficulty
Intermediate
Target Species
Trout
Ostrich Mysis - Image source: InTheRiffle
Image source: InTheRiffle

Overview

This Mysis shrimp imitation uses fine ostrich herl for the body to create a buggy, translucent look. Paired with a glass bead head and fine wire ribbing, it's great for tailwaters where Mysis shrimp are present.

Pattern Characteristics

Intermediate Difficulty
Trout
Moving Water
Year Round
Imitates: Mysis Shrimp

Materials

Hook: #14-22 Tiemco 200R
Thread: White Veevus 14/0
Eyes: X-Small Mono Eyes
Tail: White McFlylon
Tail2: Pearl Mirage Flashabou
Body: White Ostrich Herl
Ribbing: Pearl Mirage Flashabou

Fishing Tips

Season

Year Round

Presentation

Dead drift near the bottom

When to Use

When fishing in tailwaters below dams, especially if Mysis shrimp are present

Water Type

Moving water with rocky substrate

Rigging Suggestions

Use with a weighted nymph rig to keep the fly near the bottom

Visibility & Floatation

This fly sinks and is meant to be fished near the bottom. The white color makes it highly visible in clear water conditions.