The Mysis Shrimp (mysis reltica) is a staple food source for fish in the Great Lakes. According to biologists, Mysis shrimp can make up to 50% of a steelhead's diet when in the lake (the rest being baitfish such as Erie Shiners). Before the steelhead run the creeks in the fall, they gorge heavily on these shrimp. Although it is believed steelhead eat this fly out of instinct from their time spent in the lake (the same reason Northwest steelhead fisherman use flies imitateing squid and prawn), I have found Mysis shrimp will scouting Chautauqua Creek this summer, so it is possible steelhead still feed on them in the streams. If you are familiar with western tailwaters, this is the same shrimp that grows big trout in the Frying Pan and other Colorado rivers.
Hook: MFC 7231 Size 12-10
Weight: small black beadchain
Thread: white 6/0
Shellback: white poly yarn
Body: white Estaz
Rib: 6 lb. clear mono
STEP 1: With your hook in the vice, attach your white 6/0 thread midway up the shank and then tie in a small black beadchain eye using figure 8 wraps. Wrap back to the tie in point.
STEP 2: At the tie in point tie in a ~ 1 1/2 in. piece of white poly yarn.
STEP 3: Next tie in a piece of white Estaz and a length of length of clear 6 lb. mono. Wrap your thread up to the beadchain eyes.
STEP 4: Wrap the white Estaz up to the beadchain eyes, tie off the Estaz behind the eyes.
STEP 5: Pull the white poly yarn over the Estaz body to form a wingcase. Tie off in front of the beadchain eyes. There should be approx. 1/4 in. over overhang on the poly yarn on both ends of the fly to imitate a tail and antennae.
STEP 6: Finally, rib the wingcase and body with the 6 lb. mono. Tie off the mono in front of the eyes. Whip finish and cut your thread. Put a drop of head cement on the knot.
Although I have not used this pattern yet for steelhead, after reading some articles about steelhead diet, I believe this could be the next big fly pattern for steelhead. Tie up a few and fish them as you would a egg or nymph.
Tyler Straight
Custom Tied Steelhead Flies
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