Scud / ShrimpWood 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.

Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Difficulty
Intermediate
Target Species
Trout
Wood Duck Scud - Image source: Tightline Productions
Image source: Tightline Productions

Overview

This scud pattern features a dubbed body (olive, tan, or gray), ribbed with fine wire, and topped with a shellback made from Wood Duck feather. Often coated with UV resin for a glossy, translucent look. Best for spring creeks or tailwaters.

Pattern Characteristics

Intermediate Difficulty
Trout
Moving Water
Spring
Summer
Fall
Imitates: Scuds

Materials

Hook: 2X-short emerger hook (here a Dai-Riki 125), size 16-20
Thread: 8/0 or 70 Denier, fluorescent orange
Antennae/Overbody: Wood-duck flank feather fibers
Rib: Ultra Wire, small, gold
Body: Smokey-olive sowbug or scud dubbing

Fishing Tips

Season

The Wood Duck Scud is most effective in the spring, summer, and fall when scuds are most active.

Presentation

Dead drift this pattern near the bottom.

When to Use

When fishing in tailwaters or spring creeks with abundant scud populations.

Water Type

The Wood Duck Scud is best fished in moving water.

Rigging Suggestions

Use a strike indicator and adjust the depth according to the water conditions.

Visibility & Floatation

The Wood Duck Scud sinks and is designed to be fished near the bottom.