This is my suggestion for a simple shrimp fly that won’t cost you a fortune in Whiting Spey Hackle.
I typically fish in slow and 3 long strips and pause when it’s cold, but a quick, jerky retrieve has also proven itself effective at times. The Shrimp it can be tied in colors to match the season.
Materials :
Hook | TMC200R size 6 |
Thread | UTC 70 White |
Mouth part 1 | Natural gray Mallard flank feathers |
Mouth part 2 | Black emu feathers (alternative: black CDC) |
Antennae | Two stripped stems from blue dun hackle feathers |
Eyes | Two black mono eyes (store bought or home made) |
Body | Pink SLF dubbing |
Weight | A strip of adhesive weight or whatever you normally use for weight |
Legs | Grizzly feather |
Shield | Orange Ultra Hair (alternative: Gliss n Glint from Deer Creek) |
Shell | Diamond Hard UV resin |

Step by step :





Tie the eyes on. The dubbing keeps them separated in a V.
Tie the rest down towards the hook eye. Secure it with varnish.




Secure the feather and make a half hitch.
Stroke the barbs down on each side.
Cut the back free to make room for a shield.




Build up the shield with resin in several layers. Hold the Ultra Hair tightly down over the first bundle.
Cut the tail. I hold a razor blade between the hook eye and the fibers at an angle and apply a drop of resin and cure.
Trim with scissors and the fly is finished. PS: The tail is optional.