Fly Tying Friday - Patrick O'Conner's Shrymph
Patrick O’Conner’s Shrymph
I am excited to bring back our Fly Tying Friday posts! This week's post comes from Patrick O'Conner. Patrick is sharing a nymph pattern; he dubbed the Shrymph. This is an easy pattern perfect for the beginner fly tiers out there!
Patrick writes…
"Here's one of my favorites. Simplicity and fishability are key for me when it comes to bluegill flies and, this one has both. It's quick to tie with only three materials, holds up well, and most importantly catches fish. All 3 of my 11 plus inch bluegill have come on this pattern, and too many 10 inch fish to count. Bass, shell cracker, stump knocker, crappie, oscars, Mayan cichlids and tilapia have all fallen victim to this fly for me as well. While this fly doesn't mimic any one prey item specifically, it does a great job of being a loose interpretation of many of the bluegills' favorite foods. Based on its ability to mimic everything from a grass shrimp to insect larvae I have dubbed it the Shrymph."
Patrick was kind enough to include some tying instructions for the Shrymph. He writes...
" I usually tie this on a size12 nymph hook, but size10-14 all have pretty good results. A bead head is put on first for a little bit of weight. Barred micro sili-legs make the tail, cut to roughly the length of the hook shank. Tie in the micro chenille and Palmer forward to the bead head. Finish the fly by tying in the chenille as close to the bead-head as you can and add a drop of your favorite head cement for extra durability. Three steps, and you're done!"
Some additional trying tips
Patrick writes," I have experimented with many color patterns, and I prefer somewhat more natural colors when tying this fly. Orange and black-barred silly legs combined with rusted orange or black micro ice chenille being my go to's. I find micro ice chenille to be the best as it lends some flash as well as a fuzzier appearance over standard chenille. An additional spin is to use more subdued natural colors with a neon-colored bead as a "hot spot."
A fine bluegill with a mouthful of Shrymph!
I love when contributors include some fishing tips with their patterns, and Patrick did not disappoint. He writes...
" As for fishing this fly, I utilize a strike indicator with a depth that varies on the water I'm fishing. Generally, I will start with it about 18-24 inches up as I target shorelines and shallower areas and may move it up to as much as 36-48" above the fly to fish deeper edges. I seldom have to impart any action with my retrieve as it is almost always devoured on the drop, though short 1-2" strips followed by a pause can sometimes seal the deal with finicky fish."
For those that prefer video instructions here is a Vimeo link to a step by step tutorial video that Patrick made a few years back! Feel free to leave a comment on this post if you have any questions for Patrick.
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