Scud / ShrimpComplex 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 segmentation that mimics the natural crustacean. An excellent choice for tailwaters and spring creeks where sow bugs are abundant.
Year Round
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
The Complex Twist dubbing brush provides exceptional texture and buggy profile while simplifying the tying process compared to traditional dubbing techniques. The gray/olive color combination effectively matches the natural coloration of sow bugs found in most tailwater systems. The slotted tungsten bead allows for easy threading and ensures the pattern sinks quickly to the feeding zone. Alternative shellback materials like scud back or Swiss straw can be substituted if Thin Skin is unavailable.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Fulling Mill 5115 Heavyweight Grub, size #14
Bead: Hareline Slotted Tungsten, silver, 3/32" (2.3mm)
Thread: UTC Ultrathread 70 Denier, gray
Body: Complex Twist dubbing brush, gray/olive
Shellback: Thin Skin, mottled bustard
Ribbing: Monofilament, clear
Fishing Tips
Season
Year Round pattern that excels during winter and early spring when sow bugs are most active and other food sources are scarce. Particularly effective during cold water periods when trout focus on bottom-dwelling crustaceans.
Presentation
Dead drift along the bottom with a tight line or indicator setup. Fish this pattern slowly through deeper runs and pockets where sow bugs congregate. The weighted bead ensures it gets down quickly, so short casts and high-stick techniques work well in pocket water.
When to Use
Most productive when fished near rocky substrate, undercut banks, and areas with aquatic vegetation where sow bugs naturally occur. Excellent searching pattern when no surface activity is present. Works particularly well during midday hours when trout are holding deep.
Water Type
Primarily effective in moving water environments, especially tailwaters, spring creeks, and freestone streams with stable flows. Focus on slower runs, pocket water behind boulders, and deep pools where sow bugs are abundant. Also productive in riffles where these crustaceans wash loose from substrate.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 9-12 foot leader with 5X-6X tippet for technical presentations. Works well as a point fly in tandem nymph rigs or as a dropper below a larger attractor pattern. Can be fished under an indicator in deeper runs or tight-lined in euro nymphing setups. Add split shot 12-18 inches above if additional weight is needed to reach bottom.
Visibility & Floatation
The tungsten bead provides moderate sink rate, reaching depths of 2-4 feet relatively quickly. The gray/olive coloration blends naturally with stream bottom substrate while remaining visible to trout. The textured dubbing brush creates subtle movement in the current that attracts attention without appearing unnatural. The shellback adds realistic contrast and helps the pattern maintain its profile underwater.
