Description: The Magic Scud, was named by a fellow Henrys' Lake angler. From previous times fising together, he saw what a prolific producer this scud pattern was and asked me the next time I saw him, "hey, did you remember to bring any more of those magic scuds?". Hence the name, Magic Scud, was born.
Scuds are one of the most overlooked items on the trout's menu. In the nutrient rich waters of British Columbia and the western United States scuds are second only in importance to Chironomids. Scuds' compromise over 20% of the trout's food intake. Scuds are one of the staples in any lake (and most tailwaters) as they are available to a trout year round. The scud is especially important in the early spring or late fall prior to ice on. They are, by far, one of the most overlooked food source by most anglers.
There was a lot of thought that went into the Magic Scud design. First, it's tied on a straight hook; when a scud swims, it's straight, not curved. Next comes the translucence and sparseness; scuds are near transparent in the water with a hint of coloration - no colored wire segmentation here. Lastly, is the tapered body; scuds have a blunt nose and tapered tail and so does the "Magic Scud".
What it imitates: Scud
When to fish it: Year round, but especially early spring through late fall, prior to ice on.
Where to fish it: Stillwaters around the world and most tailwaters
How to fish it: The old reliable hand twist retrieve is hard to beat. At times a slow 10 to 12 inch strip retrieve can work well. Strip the line and wait 2 to 3 seconds or more before stripping again. A brisk retrieve can work well when the water temperature is up and fish are active. Don't over do it Use this basic rule the colder the water, the slower the fishing the slower the retrieve. For inactive fish retrieves have to be slow and methodical to be successful. Not to many food sources' trout feed upon in lakes move quickly even if they have the capability.
Fish the Magic Scud either on or near the bottom. Any type of fly line will do. Long leader depending on depth; 15 to 20 feet. Intermediate or Stillwater lines give you a horizontal presentation yet enable a slow enough retrieve to properly simulate the scud. For leaders on intermediate lines, use a 9 to 12 foot leader depending upon the water clarity. The clearer the water the longer the leader.
In past years some of my biggest trout have come on the Magic Scud and ,for the most part, it is trailed behind a bigger pattern such as an Electric Leech, Kudu or BFH #1. I have to believe that the leech or bigger fly attracts the fish and then they eat the scud trailer. Also, the Magic Scud can be used as a single or tandem with another Magic Scud, but if used in tandem I will usually go with one of each color and varying sizes until I find the one the fish are feeding on.
Approximate time to complete this order: 3 weeks
MINIMUM ORDR FOR THIS FLY IS 1 UNIT - 1 UNIT CONSISTS OF 1/2 DOZEN FLIES