Many anglers use a two-fly nymphing rig with a Mysis pattern as the top, or primary fly, with a midge pupa or larva imitation at the end of the leader as the secondary fly. Local fly shops carry several effective Mysis patterns and many angers use their own "secret" patterns, some of which are closely guarded. More than once I've walked by an angler who hid his Mysis pattern from my sight.

MYSIS SHRIMP
		HOOK: Daiichi 1770 or Mustad 80150 #16-#20. THREAD: Clear monofilament. TAIL: Two to four split white organdy fibers. ABDOMEN: White Anglers Choice Night Glo Super Floss. THORAX: White Upstream #25 White Minnow Belly Dubbing. ANTENAE: 12 white organdy fibers with middle fibers cut short to imitate mouth parts. EYES: .021" mono eyes.

I believe that pattern selection is important, but not as important as achieving a precise presentation, using the proper tippet size, and maintaining your awareness. Because the water in these tailwaters is extremely clear, I use 6X monofilament tippets for both the primary and secondary flies. Some people swear by fluorocarbon, but I don't use it because I find it to be stiffer than mono, and it can add drag to the fly. I use 71/2-foot or 9-foot, 6X leaders. From the primary fly, I attach 18 inches of 6X to the hook eye. To that I attach my secondary fly. If I feel the need to add weight, I use a soft weight putty about 14 inches above the primary fly. For indicator fishing, I place the indicator above the primary fly and adjust it to the water depth.

Use a seine to determine whether Mysis shrimp are coming through the dam, and into the river. If the shrimp are present in good numbers, the trout will feed exclusively on them, and ignore most other fly patterns. If there are no shrimp, the trout will turn to other food items. This cutthroat trout was caught on an egg pattern in the Taylor River in November.

I use 4-weight to 6-weight, 9-foot or longer rods when I'm fishing Mysis patterns and generally prefer firm rods with soft tips to help flip the nymphs over. I most often use a 4-weight, except when I am casting to the middle of the Taylor River, in which case I like a firm 5-weight or a softer 6-weight to handle the flies, weight, and indicator. Turning these Mysis-fed fish is near impossible, especially when fishing small flies and light tippets. I like a 4-weight to add forgiveness to my overly firm wrist. For effective short-line nymphing to these monsters, I prefer a 91/2- or 10-foot rod.