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Home->Articles->Fly Patterns->Archives->Pearl Shrimp   
Fly Patterns
Pearl Shrimp

Hook:        Daiichi 1120 or 1250 #8-14
Thread:     MFC 8/0 or UTC 70,Olive
Rib:           Fine Copper or Red Wire
Body:        Arizona Sparkle Nymph dubbing or Seal’s Fur (Color to suit)
Shellback: Pearlescent Sheet Material

Scuds are arguably the number one food source for trout in productive stillwaters through out the entire year and can be considered the premier stillwater staple. Only during peak emergences of other food sources do scuds take a back seat. Yet despite scuds obvious appeal to trout fly fishers are reluctant to knot a scud pattern onto their tippet. Underrated and un-respected they have become the Rodney Dangerfield of stillwater food sources.

The Pearl Shrimp is a simple design that utilizes a pearlescent back constructed of a material available in many craft shops, Paper Twist. Paper Twist is a pearlescent rope that is dispensed on large cardboard rolls. Five dollars should buy a lifetime supply. To prepare the Paper Twist cut of a two to three in length using a stout pair of scissors. Once cut unravel the Paper Twist and cut it into proportional thin strips using a straight edge and a razor or Exacto knife. Once prepared, tie the Paper Twist strip in place at the eye of the hook leaving enough material to pull back over the pattern forming the distinctive shellback. Complete the balance of the fly pull the Paper Twist over the body and secure in place with the copper wire. The end result is a durable realistic design ready to dart, dive and scurry through the weeds.

Prime times to fish scud patterns are when fishing seems incredibly slow, early morning, evening and during the early spring and fall. Keep the retrieve varied, as scuds are anything but consistent in their locomotive. Favored fly lines include; floating, intermediate, Midge Tip or Rio's Outbound Hover.


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