Description
The Black Ant Fly
Fly Type: This is a terrestrial dry fly that imitates an ant that has landed on the water's surface. The fly's design, with its distinct two-part body and sparse hackle for legs, creates a realistic and appealing profile that fish recognize as a common food source.
Best Suited For: Ant patterns are extremely effective for catching trout, including brown, rainbow, and brook trout. They are also a great choice for grayling and various panfish like bluegill and sunfish, which are often found in areas where ants are present.
Best Time to Fish: This fly is a top producer from late spring through early autumn, especially during the summer months. It's most effective on warm, windy days when ants are blown off trees and vegetation and onto the water. It can be fished successfully at any time of day, but it is a "go-to" when there isn't a specific insect hatch.
Water Type: This is a freshwater fly.
Where to Fish: The ant fly is best used on rivers, streams, and stillwaters where you find overhanging branches or bank-side foliage. Ants are a shoreline insect, so casting close to the banks and other structures where they might fall in is key.
Other Value: Fish consistently feed on ants throughout the season, making them a reliable food source even when other insects are scarce. This fly's small size allows for a very subtle and delicate presentation, which is ideal for targeting wary fish in clear, slow-moving water. It's a simple yet highly effective pattern.