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 Tying Instructions |
Materials:
(to Order Material, click the link)
Actual Ant 
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Notes: This pattern developed by Ed Schroeder in the early 1970's has withstood the test of time and continues to be one of the top ant patterns for the last fifty years. Ed's pattern used Calf Body hair for the wingpost but most patterns today utilize Hi-Viz Poly floating yarn. The body was Angora Goat which gave the fly pattern the name as a "Fur Ant" but is often changed to a synthetic dubbing such as Superfine. Colorations of black are the best but also try brown and rusty brown. Best time to use this fly is the late Summer and Fall from August through November when the water is low and you need a small ant to gently fall to the water surface. The Eastern Sierra is particularly good for this fly. Ants can arrive into the water either by falling in or when the ants sprout wings and fly during the mating time. Once the ant hits the water, they have no chance of escape and the trout know this. Ants contain a lot of formic acid so most small animals will not eat these insects but trout love them and will gorge themselves. Cast to foam lines on the stream and let it drift. Minimize any mending since movement of the ant on the water surface will spook the fish. Also cast the pattern along the shore, particularly undercut banks. Barry Ord Clark has an interesting variation of this pattern using Black Ostrich Herl for the body which provide some additional floatation. Martin Westbeek of the Netherlands also has a nice variation where he uses the wingpost material as a back over the rear dubbed body. It is marked black. The TMC 102Y is also an excellent hook for the ant pattern with it's black finish, wide gape, and fine wire. | ||
Variations: |
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Barry Ord Clark's Parachute Ant 
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Materials: (to Order Material, click the link)
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Hi-Vis Parachute Ant 
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Materials: (to Order Material, click the link)
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Westbeek Parachute Ant 
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Materials: (to Order Material, click the link)
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