Bodkin / Patterns

Elden's Red Ant

Terrestrial · Trout · Grayling · Intermediate · 1 version

Classic Recipe

  • Hook 2XL dry / terrestrial hook (TMC 5262 or similar), 8-10
  • Thread red or tan 6/0 6/0 (140 denier)

Materials

  • Underbody Bright thread wrap on the shank (-)
  • Body Tan/gold foam layered with a red foam overbody (2mm) (1 strip each)
  • Legs Barred rubber legs (2-3 pairs)
  • Wing/Indicator Poly yarn or bright foam tab (small tuft)

How to tie it

  1. Wrap a base of bright thread along the shank. The original was inspired by a lost fly whose shank was wrapped in bright colored thread.
  2. Tie in a strip of foam at the bend and build a big, fat, bulky body forward, adding a red foam overbody so the top rides red.
  3. Segment the body with a few tight thread wraps to define the ant/stone profile.
  4. Add barred rubber legs on each side, splayed, for lifelike movement.
  5. Tie in a small poly-yarn wing or a bright foam indicator tab on top so you can track the fly.
  6. Whip finish under the wing and trim the legs to about one shank length.

Tying videos

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