Sow Bugs and Ray Charles on the Bighorn

It may be that a fly pattern that once matched no living bug on Montana’s Bighorn has grown into a classic. The lowly sow bug, according to local experts, is now providing a large percentage of the protein for Bighorn trout. And the favored fly is the Ray Charles, according to Ed Dentry in the Rocky Mountain News. “The Ray Charles is easy to tie. On a scud hook Size 14-18, tie in pearl mylar tinsel below the bend. Wrap two ostrich herls forward and tie off. Then pull the mylar over the fly’s back and secure it at the head. Red 8/0 tying thread is used for eye appeal at the head.”