How To Tie A Scud Fly Pattern

Learn how to a great scud pattern, including a video tutorial (coming soon) and a full material list. Improve your fly-tying skills here.

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Today we're exploring the Scud Fly Pattern, a must-have for any fly fisher's arsenal, especially if you're fishing in freshwater streams and lakes. This shrimp-like pattern is tied using a Core 1120 Nymph/Scud hook, and features materials such as Hareline Sow Scud Dubbing and Swiss Straw for realism and effectiveness. The Scud Fly mimics a staple in the fish diet, making it extremely effective in a range of conditions. Recommended sizes are 12 to 16. Whether you're a seasoned tyer or just starting out, this fly is essential. Leave a comment below if you've tried this pattern or have tips to share, and don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more fly-tying tutorials!

We've put together a kit that contains all the materials you need to tie this exact fly pattern.

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Material List:

• Hook: Core C1120 (size 14)
• Wire: Danville Spooled Lead Wire .010
• Thread: UTC Ultra Thread 70D (Olive)
• Tail: Mallard Flank (Olive)
• Rib: 6x TroutHunter Nylon Tippet
• Body: Hareline Swiss Straw (Olive)
• Dubbing: Hareline Scud Dub (Olive)

Step 1

Apply a drop of superglue to the hook shank, then wrap 0.010 Lead Wire around the shank approximately 10 times. Trim off the excess lead wire and allow the superglue to tack before proceeding.

Step 2

Start your thread just in front of the lead wire and wrap forward over it, then behind it to lock it securely in place. Continue wrapping rearward until you reach just into the hook bend.

Step 3

Tie in a small clump of Olive Mallard Flank on top of the hook shank and trim the excess. The tail should be slightly shorter than one hook shank in length.

Step 4

Tie in a 4–6 inch section of TroutHunter Tippet Material on top of the hook shank at the same point as the tail, at the hook bend, as shown.

Tip: Use a spring clip on your vise to keep the tippet material out of the way for the next several steps.

Step 5

Create a small dubbing noodle using Hareline Scud Dub in Olive. Wrap it forward, building a full, tapered abdomen and ending just behind the hook eye.

Step 6

Take a short section of Hareline Swiss Straw and split or pull it apart to obtain a thin, even strip. Tie it in just behind the hook eye using minimal wraps, then secure it again at the hook bend as shown. Bring your thread back forward to just behind the hook eye.

Step 7

Fold the Swiss Straw forward over the top of the abdomen to form the shell back. Tie it off securely just behind the hook eye and trim the excess.

Step 8

Wrap the TroutHunter Tippet Material forward in evenly spaced turns, leaving consistent gaps between each wrap to form the rib. Tie it off just behind the hook eye and trim the excess.

Step 9

Complete 2–3 whip finishes and apply a drop of superglue to the thread wraps for durability. Using a bodkin or small brush, tease out the dubbing fibers along the abdomen to give the fly a lifelike, shaggy appearance.

Your Scud Fly is ready to fish!