Scud / Shrimp

Scuds and shrimp patterns replicate these protein-rich freshwater crustaceans that trout (and other species) love to gorge on. Their segmented bodies and subtle movement make them especially effective in tailwaters and spring creeks.

Amorous Gammarus - Image source: The Fly Bench

Amorous Gammarus

A small freshwater shrimp imitation designed by Barry Ord Clarke that effectively imitates Gammarus species found in rivers and lakes. The pattern features a distinctive pink dubbing blend with a…

Carpet Bug - Image source: The Fly Bench

Carpet Bug

The Carpet Bug is a versatile crustacean imitation that effectively mimics both scuds and sowbugs. Taking inspiration from the Ray Charles pattern, this fly features rainbow scud dubbing with a…

Charlie's Mysis Shrimp - Image source: The Fly Bench

Charlie's Mysis Shrimp

A highly effective pattern for tailwaters where mysis shrimp are present, especially below bottom-release dams. Charlie's Mysis Shrimp imitates the translucent, drifting crustaceans that are a key…

Complex Twist Sow Bug - Image source: The Fly Bench

Complex Twist Sow Bug

A highly effective sow bug pattern utilizing Complex Twist dubbing to create a buggy, textured appearance. The mottled Thin Skin shellback combined with clear monofilament ribbing creates realistic…

Jig Tailwater Sow Bug - Image source: The Fly Bench

Jig Tailwater Sow Bug

A tailwater-specific sow bug pattern designed for the ultra-selective trout found in dam tailwaters. The slim gray profile with mottled shellback perfectly mimics the isopods that fish feed on daily…

Lake O Shrimp - Image source: The Fly Bench

Lake O Shrimp

The Lake O Shrimp is a scud shrimp pattern designed by Hans van Klinken. This effective pattern combines traditional materials with proven techniques for consistent results in a variety of water…

Mini-Krystal Shrimp - Image source: The Fly Bench

Mini-Krystal Shrimp

The Mini-Krystal Shrimp is a compact, flashy shrimp imitation originally designed for bonefish that has proven remarkably effective on Alaskan sockeye salmon. Its translucent D-rib overbody and…

Ostrich Mysis - Image source: The Fly Bench

Ostrich Mysis

The Ostrich Mysis is an excellent imitation of a Mysis shrimp that is often found in tailwaters below dams, making it a go-to fly for trout in these environments. The use of ostrich herl gives this…

Ray Charles Sow Bug - Image source: The Fly Bench

Ray Charles Sow Bug

The Ray Charles Sow Bug is a simple yet incredibly effective pattern that imitates a sow bug, a favorite food of trout in many tailwaters. It can be tied in several colors to match the naturals and…

Red Francis - Image source: The Fly Bench

Red Francis

The Red Francis is a classic Atlantic salmon shrimp pattern designed by Barry Ord Clarke that has proven highly effective when other patterns fail. This versatile fly can be tied on hooks ranging…

Simple Scud - Image source: The Fly Bench

Simple Scud

The Simple Scud is a basic but effective fly that's designed to mimic the small freshwater crustaceans that fish love to eat. It's a reliable choice in any water where scuds are present, and the…

Tucker Scud - Image source: The Fly Bench

Tucker Scud

The Tucker Scud is a highly realistic scud imitation that uses innovative micro tubing to create the distinctive segmented, translucent body of natural freshwater shrimp. This pattern features an…

Will Sand's Epoxy Mysis Shrimp - Image source: The Fly Bench

Will Sand's Epoxy Mysis Shrimp

The Will Sand's Epoxy Mysis Shrimp is a highly realistic pattern that imitates the natural mysis shrimp. The use of UV resin gives this fly a lifelike translucency that can be irresistible to trout…

Wood Duck Scud - Image source: The Fly Bench

Wood Duck Scud

The Wood Duck Scud is a realistic scud pattern that uses wood duck feathers for the shellback, giving it a natural, mottled appearance. It's a great choice for fishing in tailwaters and spring creeks.