Bodkin / Patterns

Kaufmann's Scud

Nymph · Trout · Intermediate · 1 version

Classic Recipe

  • Hook Curved-shank scud/pupa hook (Tiemco 2457 or 2487), #12-18, #12-18
  • Thread Olive dun 8/0 (70 denier)

Materials

  • Weight (optional) Lead-free round wire, .010-.015 (6-10 turns)
  • Antennae/tail Dyed olive mallard flank fibers (small clump)
  • Shellback Clear/pale olive Scud Back or Swiss Straw (1 strip)
  • Rib 6X clear monofilament tippet (1 strand)
  • Body Randall Kaufmann's Sow-Scud Dubbing, smoky olive (pinch)

How to tie it

  1. Start the olive thread behind the eye and, if weighting, wrap 6-10 turns of.010-.015 lead-free wire over the middle third of the shank; push it to the center and lock it with thread.
  2. Carry the thread to the bend (down into the curve). Tie in a small clump of dyed olive mallard flank fibers pointing out over the bend, about half a shank length long, to form the tail/antennae.
  3. At the same tie-in point, secure one strand of 6X mono for the rib and a strip of clear/pale olive Scud Back on top of the shank, both trailing to the rear.
  4. Dub a plump, slightly shaggy body of smoky olive Sow-Scud dubbing from the bend forward to just behind the eye. Keep it fatter in the middle to give the humped scud shape.
  5. Pull the Scud Back strip forward over the top of the body to form the shellback and tie it down behind the eye.
  6. Spiral the 6X mono rib forward over the shellback in 5-6 evenly spaced turns to segment the back and lock the shellback down; tie off and clip the excess.
  7. Pick out the dubbing on the underside with a bodkin to suggest legs. Build a small thread head, whip finish, and cement.
  8. Optional: trim the picked-out fibers flat on top and leave them long underneath for a realistic leggy belly.

Tying videos

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