HOOK: 2X heavy, 2X short curved shank, turned-down eye; e.g. TMC 2457 or equivalent. Or TMC 200R. Sizes 10-18

THREAD: To match body

TAIL: Marabou hen hackle fibers, or antron; color to match body

ANTENNAE: Same as tail

BACK: Heavy plastic with pearl Flashabou underneath

RIB: Clear monofilament, about .006 inches in diameter. Or copper wire.

BODY: Blended angora goat and Haretron. When done tying, pick out body fibers to look like legs, then trim to correct length. Color choices: olive-gray, tan, orange

HACKLE: Palmered black saddle hackle, or color to match body

Scuds are shrimp-like fresh-water crustaceans. They can occur in huge numbers in lakes and in slackwater sections of rivers. When present, they offer trout a delicious morsel that is hard to resist. Some of the largest stillwater trout are found in scud-rich lakes.

Scuds should be lightly weighted either with lead under the body or with a beadhead.

The 2457 hook is curved and represents a resting or drifting scud. The 200R hook is straighter and is used for a swimming scud. Match your presentation to the hook style. Or just use one or other and don't be so anal.

Scuds often develop an orange spot in the middle of their back. This comes from a parasite. There is evidence that trout key in on this feature, so a bit of orange dubbing in the back can improve the effectiveness of your fly.

In rivers, present the fly with the shallow nymph or wet-fly swing presentations; remember, scuds are present in weedy, slow-water stretches. In lakes, use an intermediate line and a slow retrieve.

Fly Type

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