The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word BURBOT
B
U
R
B
O
T
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "One has scaled back etc" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case one has scaled back etc = burbot.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does BURBOT mean?
BURBOT noun- A freshwater fish, taxonomic name Lota lota, which is similar to the ling and the cusk and spawns in the winter.