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How To Tie Dead Scud
White River Dead Scud as tied by Gabe Cross
Recipe:
Hook: TMC 2457, size 10-18 Thread: Uni-thread 6/0- color to match body or tan Weight: .015 (or use .020 on sizes 10 & 12) Body: Antron dubbing (squirrel belly color) Shellback: Swiss Straw- "brown"
Materials list.....
Step 1.
Start by wrapping approximately 15 turns of .015 lead on the hook.
Insider Tip: Move the lead to the position that you want it on the hook and push it together so it is tight. For this pattern, I like it as pictured to the right. Also, to save time, tie in your thread below the lead.
Step 2.
Tie a strip of Swiss straw into the back fly. Make sure to secure it tightly at the bend of the hook.
Step 3.
Bring the thread back to the eye area of the hook.
Step 4.
Using Loon brand “Swax” dubbing wax (Super Sticky also works, but not nearly as well), apply a small amount to the thread. I usually apply the wax on 4-6 inches of thread. If this is not possible due to having a fixed vice, it’s fine to repeat step 4 and step 5.
Insider Tip: I just got introduced to “Swax”, and for those that like to “touch dub”, this stuff is the best. Smooth any chunks out with your fingers, and with this product, less is more.
Step 5.
Touch a small clump of dubbing from the top of the thread to the bottom. This will form the body eventually.
Insider Tip: To prepare the dubbing for the “touch” technique, simply cut it in to small pieces, and fluff it up in a blender or coffee grinder (recommended). This technique really speeds up and simplifies the dubbing process. If you apply too much dubbing, slide the excess off…if you don’t or can’t apply enough dubbing for the fly, simply repeat steps 4 and 5.
Step 6.
Dub the fly from front to back. Make sure to put enough dubbing behind the eye or else the fly will be skinny in that area of the hook.
Step 7.
This step will take a bit of practice. Pull the swiss straw forward to where it forms a “shellback” (on the finished fly, the dubbing should just be visible on the bottom). Then, use the thread to rib the fly. When you get to the eye, whip finish.
Leave the crumpled straw extended past the eye.
Step 8.
Cut the straw, leaving a small piece covering the eye (use the picture as a reference for how long to let it stick out). This little straw extension actually represents the tail of the scud.
