Scud

Created by Randall Kaufmann

HOOK: 2457 or 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 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

Uses

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.

Variations

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 straight and is used for a swimming scud. Match your presentation to the hook style.

How to Fish

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.