Shrimp / Gammarus

 

Tying a shrimp imitation

 

Slim, heavy Czech nymphs and shrimp imitations can be essential for getting down to fish feeding in deeper, fast water. However where more gentle flows occur, I have found this shrimp imitation to really be successful. Don't be fooled though, there is plenty of lead in this fly - and it is this ballast that is used to give the fly its  effective 'hump' appearance. It is particularly effective when fished in chalkstreams for grayling.

 

I like to use Roman Moser Powersilk (10/0) for several reasons. Firstly, I can form a very durable rib with the thread, avoiding the need for wire or monofilament. This is so simple to tie.

 

Secondly, with practice you can use the thread to cut the lead exactly where you want it. No need to cut fiddly little strips. Just layer a longer piece along the hook shank and, with an increase in pressure, this tough thread will just slice through the lead strip.

 

The lead strips allow a very realistic 'hump' to be formed. I like to finish the ballast with a layer of lead covering the  whole back - just to smooth over any lumps and bumps:

 

 

 

 

 

Hook: Varivas 220BL-B #16 - #12

Thread: Powersilk 10/0

Dubbing: SLF / your choice!

Shell back: Your choice!

 

 

 

 

 

 

A layer of varnish or a UV-Cure resin can be used to really give the fly a realistic look. It also makes it very durable:

 

 

 

 

Grayling and trout find this imitation irresistable:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return home

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tie the flat lead along the upper side of the hook

 

Build up the layers of lead; each being slightly shorter than the previous one.

 

The final piece should cover the whole 'humped' body to ensure the underbody is smooth

 

 

Tie in the shell back over the lead under-body, leaving it hanging over the eye

 

Dub the body from the eye to the bend of the hook. Your thread should end up hanging down in line with the bend

 

Pull the shell back over and secure at the bend with three wraps of thread

 

Wind the thread in open turns towards the eye. Bind down tightly to form each rib

Re

 

 

You are aiming for a smooth body and even ribbing. Whip finish behind the eye

 

Finish the fly with a layer of varnish or a UV-cure resin. This helps to give a very succulent, translucent appearance whilst giving it durability