How to Tie: the Sunken Ant Fly Pattern

Fly Tying

Apr 2

The Sunken Ant is a versatile terrestrial pattern that works wonders from late summer through fall, especially when trout start keying in on ants as bug activity wanes. With its simple yet effective design, this pattern is a must-have for your fly box.

Materials:

Hook: Dohiku 644 (size 14 or 16)
Bead: 2.3mm Black Nickel (or 2mm for size 16)
Thread: Black or Rusty Brown (your choice)
CDC Feather (Brown)
UV Resin (Clear, for coating body)
Super Glue (for bead placement)

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Secure the Hook and Bead

Start by placing a Dohiku 644 size 14 hook in the vice. Apply a small amount of super glue on the hook shank just behind the bead, then slide the bead onto the hook, ensuring the slot faces down. Push the bead up to the top of the hook, positioning it above the center line for the right inversion.

2. Build the Abdomen

Start your thread behind the bead and wrap it back towards the hook’s bend. Divide the hook into thirds, with the back two-thirds dedicated to the abdomen. Begin wrapping thread back to form the tapered shape of the abdomen, starting with a thicker middle section and tapering towards the hook bend.

3. Apply UV Resin

Once you’ve built the body to match the bead size (it can be slightly smaller), apply a thin layer of UV resin. Cure it with the UV light. After curing, lightly dull the shine of the resin with your fingers to give it a more natural look. Add another light coat if necessary to build the body’s size.

4. Prepare and Tie in the CDC Wings

Cut a small section (about 1/4 inch) of brown CDC feather. Reverse the thread to the midpoint of the hook shank, flatten the thread, and split the CDC with your bodkin. Tie it in, making sure the fibers point rearward. Trim away any excess fibers sticking out.

5. Finish the Fly

Wrap the thread towards the bead, building a tapered ramp that doesn’t reach the bead’s edge. Apply a small amount of UV resin around the thread wraps near the bead and cure it. After curing, pinch and push the CDC forward to resemble natural wing positioning. Trim any stray fibers and do a final whip finish behind the bead. Lightly touch the resin to dull its shine, and your Sunken Ant is complete.

This simple yet effective fly pattern mimics ants that trout often target during late summer and fall. It’s easy to tie, works in a variety of conditions, and can be used as a dropper in a two-nymph rig.

Fly Tying