Ray Charles

The Ray Charles Sowbug is a highly effective fly pattern designed to imitate sowbugs, a primary food source for trout in tailwater rivers and spring creeks. Originating in the early 1990s on Montana's Bighorn River, it was developed as a guide fly and has since become a staple in many anglers' fly boxes. The pattern's name is attributed to its simplicity and effectiveness, with one story suggesting it was named because "even a blind man can catch fish with this fly.

When fishing the Ray Charles Sowbug, cast it near the stream bottom in areas where sowbugs are abundant, such as undercut banks, submerged rocks, and deep pools. Use a slow, steady retrieve to mimic the natural movement of sowbugs. If fish are hesitant, try varying your retrieve speed or incorporating longer pauses to encourage a strike