Archives of Loren Williams Fly Tying Tutorials.
Black Fur Ant
Fly and Photos by Loren Williams
Terrestrial season is often something we all look forward to and is typically associated with the summer months. However, ants are one of the most ever-present insects available to trout. The wise angler has an supply of ants in various sizes and colors available from spring through fall and is prepared to use them confidently.
Shown in this tutorial is one of the very basic and most effective ant patterns I have ever tied. Note the proportions of the body segments as well as the very clearly defined waist. Too often tiers neglect to show concrete definition between segments, nor do they realize that the hackle creates the middle segment as well as the leg profile. Note also how I finish the fly behind the first "hump" as opposed to whipping the thread behind the eye.
When fishing the fly I would offer the suggestion to clip the hackle flush with the body to encourage the fly to nestle in the film rather than on it.
MATERIALS
Hook: Partridge SLD #12-#18
Thread: Black
Body: Black Fly Rite Dubbing
Hackle: Black
Click photos to enlarge!
Place the hook securely in your vice.
Attach the thread behind the eye and lay a base to the rear, then advance the thread forward to above the hook point.
Apply the dubbing to your thread, twisting it on in a clockwise only direction and in very sparse applications.
Form a very tight and well defined "hump."
Advance the thread forward to a point behind the eye equal to about 1/2 the length of the rear body segment.
Dub another very tight, well-defined hump about one-half the size of the rear hump.
Select a black rooster hackle whose barbs are one hook size smaller than the hook you are using.
Expose the stem.
Clip the excess leaving a small section of naked stem.
Tie-in the hackle at the clearly defined waist with a few tight thread wraps. Keep the hackle in the middle of the waist. Be sure the hackle barbs are concave up/forward. Once secure, bend the hackle forward to crease the stem.
Make two wraps forward and secure with the thread.
Clip the excess hackle and whip finish.
Dress the fly by removing any stray barbs.
A completed Black Fur Ant. You may clipp the bottom hackles flush for a lower riding pattern.