Tying a Sowbug/Scud Pattern with Davie McPhail

Materials Used;
Hook, Fulling Mill Grab Gape Heavy size 14
Underbody and Rib, Fine Copper Wire
Thread, Uni-8/0 Pink
Back, Medium Pearl Mylar/Tinsel
Body, Natural Grey Ostrich

[@holyworrier]

I used to fish these isopods almost exclusively on my home river. My largest trout ever was caught Thanksgiving Day, ‘77 on a sow bug. Five pounds. 23 inches. Beautiful orange flanked male. Thanks, Davie!

[@donaloflynn3922]

Lovely fly thanks Davie

[@krallmi48]

I did enjoy it, Davie... thank you... Mike

[@RogueBrit1]

Wow, that ostrich has the longest fibre I've ever seen - lovely shiny buggy dun. It might take some finding, just like that... Thanks, Davie, superb as usual. Have a good Hogmanay, from an old Sassenach fan. Roger

[@Abcd12342600]

Great idea using copper wire to get it down, will do a dozen and give them a swim

[@robertnichols9704]

Great pattern Dave I think I'll try it on steelhead this coming weekend. Thank you for all you do for everyone.

[@jameshenderson3238]

A very interesting pattern and I am anxious to tie and fish this fly on Montana's Bighorn River where the Ray Charles has been used with a lot of success through the years. Wishing you the best for 2023.

[@mikekuczynski1552]

They work on the Bighorn and the Missouri. Good luck

[@bobbell5265]

Great looking fly Davie 👍

[@scottnock5241]

Very nice Davie.

[@theflyohioans]

That new FM hook is so nice. Great pattern!

[@leemowers9395]

Very nice bug, thanks for sharing Davie.

[@burtonbrocious171]

Tks for this awsome fly and all your great videos davie

[@mikelundrigan2285]

Gonna give it a try for sea trout! Think they might like it too! 😊

[@paulbryan1094]

Davie, I think this pattern will be good for mullet from the Exe in Devon. Love the movement the herl will add.

[@Wyamike734]

Nice looking fly , thank you for the video and have a Happy New Year!

[@DavieMcPhail]

Happy new year Mike and I'm glad you liked the fly... All the very best Davie..

[@edbosley1138]

Very nice I like using copper wire to add weight thanks again for sharing

[@colinredden7225]

A nice buggy looking fly davie, I can sit for hours watching you. A true master of the art. Will be tying some of these for myself. Wishing you and your family a very Happy New Year when it comes. Best wishes

[@josephh957]

Great pattern Davie!! Hope you and your family had a very merry Christmas!!!

[@tylerpaquette9376]

Looks like the bug fly got a bit of a face lift can’t wait to hit the vice and whip some up that body style has me thinking that with the translucency of the ostrich might make a nice veiled caddis pupa great tie and thanks for the inspiration

[@bobsbrewery4884]

I use opal mirage tinsel on many of my shrimps as a scud-back.I find opal the mirage stronger.I like the look of this pattern.I will try it using baby pink wire as i have loads of baby pink.Will give it a swim on the river Ayr or Nith.If it ever stops raining.Cheers

[@HalfInsaneOutdoorGuy]

I went out to my local river (the provo) turned over rocks and in the area's were ducks frequent, there underside of rocks was so completely packed with sow bugs that you couldnt see the bottom of the river. There were many many scuds as well. The issue that I have with all these sow bug patterns is that they dont look anything like any of the sow bugs i've seen. The size, shape and colors are all wrong. These patterns do catch fish no doubt though.

[@HalfInsaneOutdoorGuy]

Thankj you so very much Sir! This looks like an amazing fly!

[@MyPancho1]

Mighty good! Thanks Davie

[@bentpolski]

Well Done as Usual Davie!

[@marcoluengomaluenda4054]

Una delicatessen!! Saludos y muchas gracias por sus videos!!!

[@russchamberlain8755]

Rainbow would devour that.

[@Rustyboyyy1]

Cool fly 🤙

[@beeman7467]

How do you use a bobbin with the wire and not have it twist as it wraps? I’m constantly breaking it due to excessive twisting. Thanks. Appreciate all the knowledge you share.

[@comesahorseman]

Could I add to your list of requests? I like to see your interpretation of the Golden Witch, a Rangely/Carrie Stevens streamer fly. It's an interesting pattern. Thanks Davie! The colors in this little sowbug are what makes it a good pattern. Iridescence.

[@user-cc1hi1ju1q]

👍💪 Будем пробовать! Спасибо!

[@newflyrod1]

Great pattern, do you use other colored threads. Thank you for sharing your talents 👍🪰

[@icefisher1171]

Where do you get your ostrich from, if you don't mind? I have some, but it isn't nearly as nice as the stuff you use.

[@DavieMcPhail]

Hi Kyle, I bought the ostrich a few years ago I think it was at a game fair but I could be wrong..Sorry I wish I could be more of a help.. All the very best Davie

[@icefisher1171]

@@DavieMcPhail You are always helpful. No worries on the ostrich. I just admire the quality of yours over the ones I have. Skimpy and small. Thank you. God bless.

[@joeg5414]

Sounds like you just have to get lucky and stumble into it 😂