Scud / ShrimpJig 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 in nutrient-rich tailwater environments. The small tungsten bead and jig hook ensure quick descents into feeding zones with minimal snagging.
Year Round
Beginner
Trout
Overview
Developed by Fly Fish Food for technical tailwater fishing where trout feed heavily on isopods year-round. The mottled Thin Skin shellback creates realistic segmentation that selective fish recognize. The jig hook design allows the fly to ride hook-point up, reducing snags on rocky tailwater bottoms. Gray colorations match the natural hue of most sow bugs found in alkaline waters.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Hanak H 400 BL Jig Hook, #16
Thread: UTC Ultrathread 70 Denier, gray
Bead: Hanak Round+ Slotted Tungsten Beads, 2.5mm, silver
Body: Hare's Ear Dubbing, gray
Shellback: Thin Skin, gray mottled
Rib: UTC Ultra Wire, silver, small
Fishing Tips
Season
Effective year-round in tailwaters, but especially productive during winter and early spring when aquatic insect hatches are sparse and trout focus on crustaceans. Peak effectiveness occurs in cold water periods (December through March) when sow bugs are a primary food source.
Presentation
Fish with a dead drift presentation along the bottom using euro nymphing or tight-line techniques. The weighted jig hook design gets the fly down quickly and keeps it riding upright. Use short, controlled drifts through prime feeding lanes. Subtle lifts and drops can trigger strikes from hesitant fish.
When to Use
Best used when trout are feeding near the bottom in clear water conditions. Particularly effective during midday when fish are holding in deeper runs and pools. Works well between hatches or when no surface activity is visible. Ideal for selective tailwater trout that have seen countless standard patterns.
Water Type
Specifically designed for dam tailwaters with consistent flows and high alkalinity that support large sow bug populations. Most productive in riffles, runs, and pool tailouts where sow bugs naturally drift. Effective in depths ranging from 2-6 feet. Works best in clear to slightly off-color water.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 9-12 foot leader with 5X or 6X tippet for technical presentations. Ideal as a point fly in euro nymphing rigs with a lighter pattern as a dropper. Can be fished alone under a small indicator in slower water. No additional split shot needed due to tungsten bead weight. Position 12-18 inches above streambed.
Visibility & Floatation
Sinks quickly to depth thanks to the 2.5mm tungsten bead, reaching the bottom zone in 2-4 feet of water within seconds. The gray coloring provides excellent camouflage against rocky bottoms while remaining visible to feeding trout. The jig hook design causes the fly to ride hook-point up, maintaining a natural horizontal posture that mimics crawling sow bugs.
