The Orange Shrimp Nymph is a highly effective freshwater shrimp (gammarus) imitation designed for rivers and stillwaters where scuds form a regular part of a trout or grayling’s diet. Tied in bright orange tones, this pattern combines a natural curved shrimp profile with a bold colour trigger that stands out in both clear and slightly coloured water.
This pattern is especially productive in limestone and chalk streams, weedy margins and slower glides where freshwater shrimp are present year round. It also performs well in winter conditions when shrimp become a key food source and trout feed close to the riverbed.
Tail - Cock Orange
Body - Antron Orange
Rib - Nylon Hackle
Hackle - Cock Orange
Wing Case - Swan Orange
Head - Orange Case
Hook - Barbless, Mustad of Norway
Target Species - Trout & Grayling
Cast upstream into riffles or glides and allow the fly to bounce naturally along the riverbed. Maintain gentle contact to detect subtle takes.
Fish at short range with a long leader, keeping the nymph close to the bottom where shrimp naturally move. Guide the fly through faster runs with controlled tension.
Suspend the Orange Shrimp Nymph beneath a buoyant dry fly to cover both surface and subsurface feeding zones. This approach is particularly effective when fish are switching between shrimp and emerging insects.
In lakes or reservoirs, fish the nymph near weed beds using a slow figure of eight retrieve, allowing the fly to move naturally just above the bottom.