PC SHRIMP

Paul Clark from Whitinsville, Massachusetts gets his copy of the magazine at the Lower Forty Outfitters in Worcester (508-752-4004). He told us he wanted to design a shrimp pattern with subtle motion, and this fly certainly fits the bill.

HOOK: Size 2/0 to 4. Mustad S74S SS, 34011; Daiichi 2546; or Eagle Claw LO67

THREAD: UNI-Thread Brown

WEED GUARD: 20-pound monofilament

WEIGHT: Sixteen wraps of medium lead wire

MOUTH PARTS: Orange Krystal Flash, tan marabou

ANTENNAE: Peacock Krystal Flash, olive ostrich herl

EYES: Black beads, monofilament

LEGS: Grizzly dyed brown

RIB: Small French tinsel

SHELLBACK: Tan Swiss straw

BODY: Hareline Cinnamon Caddis (#25) dubbing

SHRIMP TAIL: Tan Swiss straw

HEAD: Tying thread

1. Place the hook in the vise, attach the thread, and construct a weed guard bound to the shank and at a point half way down into the bend. Apply sixteen turns of lead wire to the back of the hook.

2. Form the mouth parts from a clump of orange Krystal Flash and a tan marabou feather. The Krystal Flash is 1/2 inch longer than the marabou. Trim any waste ends.

3. Tie an olive ostrich herl and a strand of peacock Krystal Flash to each side of the shank to form antennae twice as long as the hook. Trim as needed.

4. Prepare an eye assembly using two beads, monofilament, and a flame, then tie it onto the hook at the end of the shank. Prepare a hackle feather, tie it to the hook, and wrap it tight against the eyes. Tie the ribbing material to the bottom of the hook and a strip of tan Swiss straw to the top, both pointing to the rear.

5. Construct a dubbed body covering the complete shank. Fold the Swiss straw so the crease extends to the rear, even with the throat of the barb, then bind it to the hook at the eye. Wrap the rib over the Swiss straw to form a carapace. Tie it off and trim any waste.

6. Pull the weed guard in place, tie it to the hook, and trim the extra material. Whip-finish and trim off the thread. Clip the Swiss straw to form the shrimp’s tail, then apply a coat of cement to finish.