Not My Favorite — But When It’s On, It’s On

I’ve never been a huge fan of fishing scuds. That’s not because they don’t work—it’s because they only really work in very specific conditions. Scuds are highly localized: if you’re not fishing slow-moving or still water, especially on a tailwater where mid- or surface-fed dam flows exist, they’re not usually in the mix.

I’ve always leaned heavily toward flies and techniques that let me imitate multiple food sources at once. Scuds aren’t that. They don’t look like anything else. When you fish a scud, you’re fishing a scud—period. It’s a one-lane road.

But in the right water? A scud can absolutely save the trip.

Where Scuds Thrive

Scuds thrive in calm, shallow, and vegetated environments—especially near the bottom. Think of them tucked in between rocks, root balls, and mats of decaying plant matter near the shoreline of lakes and ponds. You’ll also find them in slow, shallow sections of tailwaters. If you’re not fishing in that kind of water, leave the scuds in the box. But when you are… game on.

My Flashback Scud

I don’t fish scuds often, so when I do, I keep it simple. This flashback version is my go-to. It’s quick to tie, durable, and effective when the situation calls for it.

Key Features:

A mottled mylar back gives subtle contrast and sheen—just enough to draw attention.
A few strands of brown polypro add movement and flash.
The ribbing can be anything: I like yellow wire here for some attractor appeal, but feel free to get creative.
The most important part? Keep the profile slim. It matters.

Tying Recipe

Hook - Standard Scud (curved) style. Sizes 10-20. I prefer the smaller end of that scale and use Euro branded hooks for my scuds. Think Hanak, Hends, etc.

Thread - Veevus 16/0 (tan) – keeps profile thin

Tail - Brown poly pro stands adds movement (optional)

Ribbing - Wire, tinsel, or mono/Fluoro

Body - Wapsi Sow Scud Dubbing in Rainbow or Tan

Back - Mottled Mylar or any type of branded scud back material

Fishing Tips

Fish this pattern dead drift in slow or still water. Tailwaters with scud populations are prime targets. And don’t be afraid to lose a few—if you’re not occasionally ticking bottom, you’re fishing it too high.