Yewchuck's Shrimp

This pattern is part of the J. Stockard Flybrary, our organised collection of fly recipes. Browse our full collection of recipes and find something new to tie!

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Materials needed 10

Tying difficulty Average

Target species saltwater

Designed and tied by Steve Yewchuck.
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This bonefish shrimp pattern comes from Steve Yewchuck of Envision Fly Works, who designed it for a friend heading out on a flats trip. The request was simple: “a bigger shrimp pattern, something brownish, with a realistic profile.” What Steve delivered was a smart blend of classic shrimp form with modern synthetic materials—a durable, balanced, and convincing flats fly that has quickly earned its place in the saltwater box.

Yewchuck’s Shrimp takes cues from traditional, lifelike bonefish flies but adds a contemporary twist. The profile is designed to ride low and level on the sand or turtle grass, with plenty of movement in the tail and legs. Synthetic dubbings, rubber legs, and subtle flash provide the look and motion of a fleeing shrimp without going overboard.

The color scheme leans brown and tan—perfect for blending into the bottom while still showing enough silhouette to draw attention. The weight placement ensures a proper jigging motion without a hard crash, ideal for spooky fish in shallow water. It’s a clean, effective pattern that’s equally at home on the flats of the Bahamas or the Keys.

Fish Yewchuck’s Shrimp on a floating or intermediate line in 1–3 feet of water. Use a long leader and land the fly softly. Let it sink, then use short, sharp strips to imitate a startled shrimp. It’s especially effective for tailing bonefish over sand or grass flats. Vary the weight and hook size depending on location and target species.

Materials

Hook: Partridge sea streamer 1/0 or Ahrex SA 220 Saltwater Streamer Hook
Thread: UTC 70 brown or any brown 6/0 thread
Heads: EP Fibers tan
Antenna: 2 Flashabou pearl fibers
Eyes: 60lb mono/UV black resin
Legs: Buggy Nymph Legs tan
Shell: Scud Back brown
Rib: Ultra Wire medium brown
Body dubbing: Senyo's laser dub tan
Tail: Flymen fish-skull shrimp tail medium

Tying Instructions

Step 1

Start by running thread the length of the hook from the eye to the bend and spin a clump of EP tan fibers to form the head making sure they are 360.

Step 2

Next tie in two Flashabou fibers in on top making the antenna.

Step 3

Time for the eyes. These are tied in one on each side. The eyes are 60lb mono melted flat on the ends and covered with black UV resin. The resin must cover the flat melted ends to stay connected.

Step 4

Now, tie in the scud skin with the head trimmed to a triangular shape on top. Pull the skin over the head and out of the way.

Step 5

Next, dub in a short section of tan dubbing which the legs are tied into. Make a few thin wraps of dubbing over the leg that you have held in place. Positioned 4 legs on each side .