Scuds.... Freshwater Shrimp

[laker67]

dont be so quick to discredit the lowly scud or sowbug. On an annual basis, most of the larger fly rod caught fish, are fooled using these imitators. And do not be mislead by what you see happening on a day to day basis in the outlets. Not all big fish are spoonbilled and drug up on the rocks.

[ness]

Everybody's got their favorite, go-to flies and techniques, myself included. But I'll also adapt to where I am and what's going on around me. Wouldn't ever rule out scuds in a place crawling with them.

[Micheal Kyle]

Good article and great video!

Fishing scuds can be very rewarding at times, even though I mostly fish streamers and dry flies I will on occasion sight fish a scud. I use a number 12 or a number 10 grey or tan scud. I use the mustad caddis hook can’t remember the number right now but have no problems seeing the fish eat it with no indicator and I have caught some very healthy fish. It does seem like there are more scuds right now than there has been in the past few years.

[Wayne SW/MO]

When you're imitating a natural food source color and silhouette can bo important, IMO. I do better with scuds and sowbugs right at the bottom where they should be, hence no VSI.

[Jason R.]

You can kill it with scuds up by the dam on the Little Red at times. I've had days where that was the only fly I tied on. I like the grey with blue wire as well Lancer.

[dennis boatman]

..fly fishing is a funny thing...some of us like to "fool" a fish in to taking a fly...some of us like to get the "reaction" strike...some of us do both...personally, i'm about an 80% reaction type fly and 20% "imitating a natural food source fly"...either way SNAP IT!!!!

[laker67]

snap it good

[MattS]

Another thing about scuds is that I HATE adding a split shot to my tippet.

[Phil Lilley]

Use weighted scuds...

[Jason R.]

Matt- I use heavily weighted scuds. Either a black tungsten bead with some laterally tied lead or full lead wraps- often these are too heavy though for low water. I also use the McClellan's type scuds made with lead tape. Drop a midge off one of those and you are in business.