Scud / ShrimpRed Francis
The Red Francis is a classic Atlantic salmon shrimp pattern designed by Barry Ord Clarke that has proven highly effective when other patterns fail. This versatile fly can be tied on hooks ranging from the smallest doubles and trebles to heavy tube flies in various colors. The red dubbing body with oval silver ribbing creates an irresistible shrimp profile that Atlantic salmon find hard to resist.
Spring, Summer, Fall
Intermediate
Atlantic Salmon, Trout
Dec 2025
Overview
Designed by renowned Norwegian fly tyer Barry Ord Clarke, the Red Francis is described by the designer as one of his favorite salmon fishing flies. While traditionally tied in red, this pattern can be adapted to various colors depending on water conditions and personal preference. The pattern excels when tied on different hook styles from small doubles to large heavy tubes, making it incredibly versatile for different fishing situations and water conditions.
Materials
Hook: Mustad Heritage DL71UP, #8
Thread: Sheer 14/0, red
Feelers: Stripped cock hackle stems
Beard: Pheasant tail fibers
Rib: Oval silver tinsel
Body: Red natural dubbing
Hackle: Red/brown cock hackle
Behavior & Presentation
Natural Behavior: Freshwater shrimp tumble along rocky bottoms in short backward pulses when disturbed, their side-to-side motion distinct from forward-swimming prey. Atlantic salmon strike these crustacean patterns as territorial responses triggered by instinctive memories of ocean feeding.
Where Trout Eat It: Salmon hold in mid-water columns near structure, intercepting drifting shrimp in classic lies and channel swings.
How to Fish It: Swing the fly downstream across current at moderate depth, allowing it to work broadside through holding water.
Best Water: Fish tail-outs and channel swings in Atlantic salmon rivers, targeting structure breaks where fish rest during migration.
Strike Type: Expect aggressive grabs as salmon strike instinctively despite non-feeding spawning behavior.
Fishing Strategy
Rigging Suggestions: Use 9-15 foot leaders with 8-12 lb tippet depending on water conditions. For tube flies, use appropriate tube fly leader setup. Can fish on floating, intermediate, or sinking lines depending on depth needed.
Seasonal Timing: Most effective during through Atlantic salmon runs, particularly productive during early season when fish are fresh and aggressive. Can be fished in appropriate salmon waters.
Pro Tips: Sinks at moderate rate depending on hook size and materials used. The red dubbing body provides excellent visibility in varied water conditions.
Entomology
Freshwater shrimp scuttle along rocky stream bottoms and through submerged vegetation, occasionally swimming in short backward pulses when disturbed. Atlantic salmon, even during their non-feeding spawning runs, strike at shrimp patterns as instinctive territorial responses triggered by the memory of their ocean feeding on similar crustaceans.
- Organism Type
- crustacean
- Life Stage
- general