{
  "url": "https://theflybench.com/patterns/ostrich-mysis",
  "id": "cm8v25izf0034usxb80jrmmeu",
  "title": "Ostrich Mysis",
  "slug": "ostrich-mysis",
  "description": "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.",
  "imitates": "Mysis Shrimp",
  "patternCategory": "scud-shrimp",
  "difficulty": "Intermediate",
  "targetSpecies": "Trout",
  "waterTypes": [
    "Moving Water"
  ],
  "seasons": [
    "Year Round"
  ],
  "materials": "**Hook**: #14-22 Tiemco 200R\n**Thread**: White Veevus 14/0\n**Eyes**: X-Small Mono Eyes\n**Tail**: White McFlylon\n**Tail2**: Pearl Mirage Flashabou\n**Body**: White Ostrich Herl\n**Ribbing**: Pearl Mirage Flashabou",
  "images": [
    {
      "url": "/images/patterns/scud-shrimp/ostrich-mysis.webp",
      "source": "The Fly Bench"
    }
  ],
  "videos": [
    {
      "url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwHU924SM4Y",
      "label": "InTheRiffle"
    }
  ],
  "createdAt": "2025-03-29T22:20:16.299Z",
  "updatedAt": "2025-04-05T03:00:16.549Z",
  "variantOf": "",
  "regions": [
    "Rocky Mountain"
  ],
  "waters": [
    "Blue River, Colorado",
    "Taylor River, Colorado",
    "Fryingpan River, Colorado"
  ],
  "tags": [
    "dead-drift",
    "guide-fly",
    "low-clear-water",
    "tailwater"
  ],
  "essential": false,
  "tier": "",
  "entomology": {
    "order": "",
    "family": "",
    "commonName": "",
    "organismType": "crustacean",
    "lifeStage": "general",
    "behavior": "Mysis shrimp perform daily vertical migrations in deep reservoirs and tailwaters, rising from lake bottoms at dusk and sinking at dawn while maintaining a constant swimming motion with their pleopods. Trout key on these tiny crustaceans during their migrations because mysis occur in massive concentrations, allowing fish to filter-feed efficiently on clouds of shrimp that provide consistent nutrition throughout the year."
  },
  "relatedPatterns": [
    {
      "slug": "charlie-s-mysis-shrimp",
      "type": "alternative"
    },
    {
      "slug": "will-sand-s-epoxy-mysis-shrimp",
      "type": "alternative"
    },
    {
      "slug": "mop-fly",
      "type": "same-technique"
    },
    {
      "slug": "egan-s-frenchie",
      "type": "same-technique"
    },
    {
      "slug": "bead-head-d-rib-golden-stone",
      "type": "same-technique"
    },
    {
      "slug": "bead-head-breadcrust",
      "type": "same-technique"
    }
  ],
  "behaviorPresentation": "**Natural Behavior**: Mysis shrimp swim in short bursts with distinctive side-to-side tumbling motion, frequently pausing near vegetation or substrate. These tiny crustaceans perform daily vertical migrations, rising from depths at dusk and sinking at dawn while maintaining constant swimming motion.\n**Where Trout Eat It**: Mid-column to bottom in tailwater seams, drop-offs, and rocky substrate. Fish hold in transition zones where fast current meets slower water and shrimp concentrate.\n**How to Fish It**: Dead drift along bottom with high-stick nymphing, maintaining constant contact with minimal slack. Controlled drift speed matches natural Mysis migration patterns.\n**Best Water**: Seams, drop-offs, and current breaks in tailwaters where fast current meets slower water and shrimp concentrate during drift.\n**Strike Type**: Fish often mouth shrimp gently, creating soft take that appears as slight line draw or indicator pause. Set on any hesitation.",
  "fishingStrategy": "**Rigging Suggestions**: Fish on 5X-6X fluorocarbon tippet with a 9-10 foot leader. Pair with split shot or a weighted anchor fly 18-24 inches above. Use a small strike indicator for depth control.\n**Seasonal Timing**: productivity, with peak effectiveness during October through April when Mysis populations concentrate in tailwater discharge zones. Most effective during low-light periods from dawn until 9 AM and again from 4 PM to dusk when Mysis shrimp migrate toward the surface.\n**Pro Tips**: Size 16-18 patterns match natural Mysis best. Fish seams where fast current meets slower water where shrimp concentrate during drift.",
  "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."
}