How to Tie a Black Ant Fly Pattern
With: Davie McPhail
The black ant is a simple and effective fly to add to your collection, especially in waters where ants are a common trout food source. It's quick to tie and can be modified to different sizes and colors to match the hatch.
Materials:
Hook: Size 12, medium wire, or similar
Thread: Uni-thread, black
Body: 2mm thick coarse foam (black)
Thorax Material: Black dubbing or similar
Wings: Black hackle fibers or synthetic material (e.g., Z-lon)
Legs: Black dyed light hackle fibers
Head: Clear varnish or similar
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Prepare the Hook
Start by attaching black uni-thread to the hook and wrap it down the shank to secure it. Make sure the thread base is neat and well-anchored to avoid slippage during the tie.
Step 2: Attach the Foam for the Body
Cut a small strip of 2mm coarse foam. Tear a small piece off to create a tapered edge, making it easier to tie in. Secure the foam to the hook shank, keeping it straight for a smooth body.
Step 3: Build the Body Shape
Using the foam, create the body by wrapping it forward. Don’t worry about adding any dubbing at this stage, as the foam will form the shape of the body. Stop around the thorax area, leaving room for the head.
Step 4: Add the Wings
For the wings, take a few fibers of black hackle or synthetic material and tie them in at the top of the body. The wing should be around the length of the hook shank. Tie them securely, making sure they’re evenly spaced.
Step 5: Form the Thorax
Now, take some black dubbing and spin it onto the thread to form the thorax. Wrap the dubbing forward to create a thickened section that should be smaller than the body, giving the fly a nice profile.
Step 6: Attach the Legs
For the legs, use black dyed light hackle fibers. Measure them so they reach about the gape of the hook, then tie them in evenly on each side of the fly. Ensure they’re spaced well and not overlapping.
Step 7: Secure the Foam and Finish
Take the remaining foam and stretch it slightly as you bring it forward to form the thorax area. Tie off the foam and finish by securing the thread and adding a small drop of clear varnish to the head of the fly to hold everything in place.
Step 8: Final Adjustments
Check the placement of the wings, legs, and foam to ensure they’re even and looking natural. Give the legs a slight squeeze to help them spread out for a more realistic appearance.
