Ray Charles Scud

The Ray Charles Scud is one of my favorite flies to fish in the winter. You can make it heavily weighted, allowing you to get down deep where the trout are, its got a bit of flash to get the trouts attention, and it perfectly mimics the little freshwater crustaceans called scuds that trout love to eat during the winter.

Winter fishing is tough, but can be some amazing fishing! Trout tend to go deep, and not move too much in search of food. This is mainly because there are not a lot of food sources for them in the winter. The occasional nymph might be dislodged and float by, but rarely are any aquatic insects hatching. The only options are really tiny midges, and scuds. Scuds do come out year round, and are among trouts favorite foods. They are nutrient dense, and provide a food source when other bugs do not. That being said, trout still are not actively out and searching for food, so you must almost drop it on their nose to illicit a strike. This is where fishing extremely heavy nymphs comes into play. And this ray Charles scud allows you to get a lot of lead (or lead free) wire on it, sending this deep into winter trout territory. That being said, when fishing deep, you are going to snag more often. So finding a pattern that is quick and easy to tie, that doesn't cost a lot in materials is a must. And this Ray Charles fits that bill.

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Materials
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Hook: Risen Barbless 2490 - https://www.risenfly.com/collections/hooks/products/barbless-caddis-scu…
Weight: Lead Free Wire (0.015") - https://www.jsflyfishing.com/products/round-lead-free-wire
Thread: Veevus 10/0 (red/black) - https://amzn.to/45DIUQ8
Rib: UTC Ultra Wire (small, gold) - https://amzn.to/4qHp1jo
Flash #:1 Flashabou (pearl) - https://amzn.to/49Cd8Ei
Flash #:2 Spooled Mylar (medium, pearl) - https://www.jsflyfishing.com/products/pearl-tinsel
Body: Ostrich Hurl (pink, orange, gray) - https://amzn.to/4aXF7Rl
1st Resin: Solarez Ultra Thin - https://solarez.com/fly-tie-ultra-thin-bone-dry-clear.html
2nd Resin: Solarez Thin - https://solarez.com/fly-tie-thin-hard-formula.html

Tools Used:
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Vise: Renzetti Traveler - https://amzn.to/2t2FFmo
Bobbin: Stonfo Bobtec - https://amzn.to/2YWOf39
Scissors: Risen Spring Assist - https://www.risenfly.com/collections/fly-tying-tools-and-accessories/pr…
Whip Finisher: Dr. Slick Brass - https://amzn.to/2tGYwDW
Petejean Clips - https://amzn.to/3I7851h
Fly Tying Bench: Oasis Walnut Compact Bench - https://www.oasisbenches.com/oasis-benches/compact-bench/
UV Light: Solarez High Output - https://solarez.com/uv-cure-flashlight-high-output.html

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Magnetic Fly Box - https://amzn.to/3DBwPQl
Silicone Fly Box - https://amzn.to/40haoIX

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