Scud / ShrimpWill Sand's Epoxy Mysis Shrimp
The Will Sand's Epoxy Mysis Shrimp is a highly realistic pattern that imitates the natural mysis shrimp. The use of UV resin gives this fly a lifelike translucency that can be irresistible to trout feeding on these tiny crustaceans.
Year Round
Advanced
Trout
Apr 2025
Overview
A translucent mysis shrimp imitation tied with Antron, ostrich herl, or CDC for movement, and coated with Solarez or Loctite for durability and shine. Uses rubber eyes and a curved scud hook for realism. Ideal in tailwaters with mysis populations.
Materials
Hook: #16-20 Tiemco 200R
Thread: Fine Mono Thread
Tail: White Antron
Tail2: Natural Mallard Flank
Eyes: Mono Eyes
Legs: White Antron
Glue: Epoxy or Loon Thick UV Fly Finish
Behavior & Presentation
Natural Behavior: Mysis Shrimp swim in short bursts with a distinct side-to-side tumbling motion, frequently pausing near vegetation or substrate. Trout key on these crustaceans because they occur in high concentrations and provide consistent protein-rich forage.
Where Trout Eat It: Trout feed at all depths in tailwater eddies and slow-current zones where mysis concentrate during vertical migrations.
How to Fish It: Dead drift with 9-foot 5X fluorocarbon leader at various depths. Most effective during higher flows when surplus shrimp wash through dam releases.
Best Water: Tailwater eddies below dams where current slows and mysis accumulate, deep buckets (6-12 feet) in smooth runs, and seams between fast and slow current.
Strike Type: Fish often mouth scuds gently, creating a soft take that appears as a slight line draw or indicator pause. Set on any hesitation.
Fishing Strategy
Rigging Suggestions: This fly can be rigged as part of a multi-fly setup, with a heavier fly to get it down in the water column.
Seasonal Timing: This fly is effective . Use the Will Sand's Epoxy Mysis Shrimp when fish are feeding on mysis shrimp, particularly in tailwater fisheries.
Pro Tips: The Will Sand's Epoxy Mysis Shrimp is a sinking fly designed to be fished subsurface. The UV resin shell provides a lifelike translucency that mimics the natural mysis shrimp.
Entomology
Mysis shrimp migrate vertically through the water column daily, rising toward the surface at night and descending during daylight, creating concentrated feeding opportunities when currents push them into productive zones. Their translucent bodies and erratic swimming make them visible yet vulnerable, providing trout with easily digestible protein during these predictable movements.
- Organism Type
- crustacean
- Life Stage
- general