Inside the Box: DOS Scuddler

Sculpin are a fascinating fish and can be found to a certain degree in almost every trout stream across the country. The Mottled Sculpin (Cottus bairdi) and Slimy Sculpin (Cottus cognatus) are the two most common species found in the north east region of the United States. Both species are nearly identical in appearance and inhabit cool, highly oxygenated, rocky runs and pools of rivers and streams. A sculpins diet consists primarily of aquatic insects such as caddis larva, mayfly nymphs and midge larva. Areas capable of sustaining large number of sculpin should also be conducive to sustaining healthy trout.

The first documented instances of sculpin being used as bait for trout occurred during the mid 1920’s in Canada’s Nipigon region and were colloquially referred to by locals as “****atouch." Since then, many fly patterns have been spawned to imitate the roughly 2 inch long baitfish.

Fishing this fly should consist of short, rather violent strips to imitate the swift dating a sculpin undertakes when flushed or dislodged from their rocky hiding place.

Fishing this fly during periods of high, off color water has been particularly conducive.

Hook: Daiichi 2052 Salmon Size 5
Wing: 4 Speckled Hen Back
Throat: Rams Wool
Hackle: Strung Guinea
Head: Deer Hair