Scuds
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Scuds, often called fresh water shrimp,
are not shrimp at all, but are relatives of pill bugs. In any case they look like little
shrimp ase they cruis through the water. Lakes with healthy populations of scuds often
produce large trout. Scuds are a staple of trout all year, but especially during the
winter months when most other food sources are scarce. I probably catch more fish on scuds than on any other fly in a normal year. If I do not see any obvious hatch going on, I usually start fishing with a scud on a sinking line. I cast the fly out, let it sink, and then retreive slowly with pauses. The scuds in this picture are the only style I tie. I usually tie them in sizes 10 and 12 with colors of pearl, tan and olive. I usually tie the body with antron and tie the back with multiple strands of pearlescent crystal flash or similar material. |