Bodkin / Patterns

Missing Link Honey Ant

Terrestrial · Trout · Intermediate · 1 version

Note: This recipe has not been verified against a documented source, or disagrees with one. Treat the materials and steps as unconfirmed.

Charlie's Fly Box dressing

  • Hook Tiemco 100SP-BL, 14-18
  • Thread Olive Dun UNI 8/0

Materials

  • Rib Pearl krystal flash
  • Glue Head Cement
  • Legs Dun Z-Lon
  • Thorax BWO Superfine Dubbing
  • Thread Grey 18/0 Nanosilk
  • Wing Cow Elk
  • Hackle Dun, Grizzly or Brown Whiting Saddle or Neck Hackle

How to tie it

  1. Start the thread at the bend and dub or build a distinct honey-amber gaster (rear ball) over the back third to suggest the swollen ant abdomen.
  2. Tie in a strand of pearl Krystal Flash and counter-rib the gaster in 4-5 turns for a segmented sheen, then tie off.
  3. Advance the thread and split a few gray Antron fibers to each side as legs.
  4. Stack a small clump of elk hair and tie it in as a low downwing over the body, tips to the bend, butts trimmed short.
  5. Tie in a brown hackle at the wing base and wind 3-4 turns through a pinch of peacock or rust Ice Dub for the head/thorax, then tie off.
  6. Whip finish and add a tiny drop of cement.

Tying videos

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