In this week’s “How to Tie” feature, Curtis with Fly Fish Food ties a scud pattern that every trout angler should carry this winter, the Balanced Scud Rocket.
Learn How to Tie This Fly:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Winter trout fishing often occurs on tailwaters due to reliable flow and temperatures. For trout, this gives them healthy oxygen-rich water and stimulates biodiversity in the insects they eat, such as midges, stoneflies, caddis, and more. Among the irresistible tailwater treats, scuds stand out — tiny shrimp‑like crustaceans that remain on the trout’s menu year‑round. Cold temperatures will dampen the appetite of trout so it’s important your flies imitate food items they are willing to use their limited energy for, and the Balanced Scud Rocket will check that box.
This pattern is easily attainable by tyers of intermediate to expert skill levels. For beginners, be patient and use the proper tools to increase likelihood of repeatability. A dubbing twister will make creating dubbing loops significantly easier and ensure that you can do so consistently. Take your time when you first begin creating and working with dubbing loops, as they can be finicky and difficult to determine correct proportions. The Balanced Scud Rocket is the perfect fly to practice those skills on, and the final product will likely work regardless of results.
Fishing this pattern under a tightline rig or double nymph rig will produce consistently and keep the rod bent this winter. Tying a variety of sizes and colors to match the scuds in your waters will cover your bases and keep you best prepared for any condition. To boost confidence, the profile is buggy enough that fish will likely be fooled without seeing a scud, but some other juicy snack drifting past them. Coming prepared to the water is one of the most important aspects for finding success no matter the season, but for winter that includes having a few Balanced Scud Rockets on hand at all times.
Ingredients:
- Hook: Fulling Mill 5045 Jig Force Barbless Hook – 14
- Bead: Tactical Tungsten Drop Bead – Silver – 3.0mm
- Thread: Semperfli Classic Waxed Thread – 12/0 – Red
- Rocket Spot: Glo-Brite Floss for hot-spots and tags – Fl. Orange – 7
- Dubbing (Gray): Fulling Mill Ultra Nymph Dub – Psychedelic Dun
- Dubbing (Olive): Fulling Mill Ultra Nymph Dub – Psychedelic Olive
- Shell Case: Fulling Mill Ultra Nymph Dub – Psychedelic Tan
- Shell Coating: Solarez UV Cure Resin – Thick Hard 1/2 oz
- Hook: Loon Fluorescing UV Clear Fly Finish
Now you know how to tie the Balanced Scud Rocket!
Video courtesy of Fly Fish Food
