Bodkin / Patterns

Large Ant

Terrestrial · Trout · Panfish · Beginner · 1 version

Classic Recipe

  • Hook standard dry fly, 1X fine (or 2XL for a big carpenter ant), 10-14
  • Thread black 8/0

Materials

  • Rear gaster Black dry-fly dubbing or black foam (large ball/segment)
  • Hackle Black cock hackle, one size large (1 feather, 3-4 turns)
  • Front thorax Black dry-fly dubbing or black foam (ball/segment)

How to tie it

  1. Build a large, prominent shiny black gaster at the rear third of the shank with dubbing (or a segment of black foam for extra float and durability).
  2. Tie in the black hackle at the waist by its butt.
  3. Take 3-4 turns of hackle for the legs of this bigger insect, secure and clip.
  4. Form a large second black bump in front for the head/thorax.
  5. Whip finish at the eye and cement. A foam version rides low and unsinkable, ideal for big carpenter ants.

Tying videos

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