Overview

Designed by Umpqua signature tyer Lance Egan, the Tailwater Sowbug is a known producer on tailwaters across the West, and it works consistently on selective trout.

Sowbugs are small, flat-bodied crustaceans that thrive in the weedy, nutrient-rich water below dams. They are poor swimmers, so when they get knocked loose they tumble along in the current where trout can pick them off easily. A small, buggy imitation dead drifted near the bottom is one of the most dependable ways to fish a tailwater in any month.

How to Fish It

• Under an indicator: fish it as the trailing fly 12 to 18 inches behind a heavier nymph or worm, with split shot to reach the bottom.
• Flow changes: rising releases knock sowbugs loose, so it is a smart fly to fish right after flows go up.
• Euro or tight-line: run it on a dropper above a tungsten anchor fly.
• Tippet: 5X or 6X fluorocarbon.

Choosing Color and Size

Olive is the most natural shade and matches sowbugs in weedy water. Pink is the classic tailwater attractor. Rainbow mixes natural and flashy tones and is a good choice when fish have seen plenty of plain patterns.

Sizes 16 and 18 match most natural sowbugs. Go to 12 or 14 for bigger bugs, off-color water or a more visible lead fly.