Guide
Freshwater Shrimp — house-style illustrationIllustration

Freshwater Shrimp

Nymph
#12–14olive / orangeBest: Mar–May

When to use

Use it where trout or grayling are feeding close to the bottom on shrimp, especially in early-season lough shallows, spring creeks and rivers rich in gammarus. Present it near the deck with controlled drifts or very slow movement.

Imitates

Freshwater shrimp or scud.

Team position

Single fly or point fly under lighter nymphs.

Best methods

Dead-driftStraight-linedStatic

Dressing

Hook
grub or shrimp hook, #12-14
Thread
straw or light orange
Body
dirty straw or light olive shrimp dubbing
Rib
copper wire
Hackle
short underside fibres created by picked dubbing or optional sparse legs
Wing
clear shellback
Head
orange bead

Proxy: 'Freshwater Shrimp' is generic. This uses a standard UK scud-style shellback dressing.

Pairs with

Retrieve & line

  • Cold water — fish it slow and deep

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