FlyFysher
Scud
A curved, segmented freshwater shrimp imitation for weed beds and productive tailwaters.
- At the vise
- Beginner friendly
- Common sizes
- #12–20
At the vise.
Work through the numbered steps in order. Use the written materials and proportions as your guide; select an image for a closer look.
Weight and tail
Add a few wire wraps and cover with thread. Tie a short mallard-fiber tuft at the rear.
Tie the shell
Attach mono and a narrow Swiss Straw strip at the bend. Dub a rounded body toward the eye.
Segment
Pull Swiss Straw over the back and secure. Spiral mono forward in even turns to form segments.
Finish
Trim excess, whip finish, and cement. Tease dubbing from the underside to suggest legs.
On the water.
Drift near vegetation or use slow, short pulls in still water. For carp, present near a fish feeding along the bottom.
Find your Scud.
Have this pattern tied for your water.
No versions are listed yet. Choose a tyer and ask about your sizes, colors and materials. The tyer must confirm availability and send an offer.
Names and colors in the source index
Flys and Guides ↗ uses these labels for this fly. The recipe above describes the stated version; change materials where a colorway calls for it.
- Flashback Scud – Tan
- Hunchback Scud – Gray
- Rainy’s BH Olive Big – Eye Scud
- Epoxy Back Scud – Smokey Olive
- Hot Spot Scud
- Micro Scud – Olive
- Micro Scud – Gray/Clear
- Shellback Scud – Orange
- Pheasant Tail “Scud” Nymph
Recipe references
Materials and tying methods may vary between versions. Compare the sources below for this dressing.
Portrait reference
Pattern dressings vary; use the written recipe for exact materials and proportions.
