Realistic Ant

Realistic Ant

Realistic Ant fly is remarkably close to the real insect in looks, appearance, and the way they move in the water. The fly has the shape and size of the real insect – your fish will not know the difference. It is made of high quality, floatable and light material that has just the right weight so when they hit the water, their floating emulates the floating of the real insect. The flexibility and design of the legs add crucial movement to the fly when in water, giving it a more realistic look and providing that imperative advantage when fishing this fly pattern. The material is super sturdy – these flies were tied to last and will withstand many takes. These realistic ants are highly effective – expect some great action using them!

Comes in 2 colors: Cinnamon and Black and 2 hook sizes: #12 and #14.

Fly Fishing Ant Flies

Ants belong to a family Formicidae, from the order Hymenoptera (includes: ants, bees, wasps, bumblebees, etc.).

Ants are one of the most important summertime fly patterns. These insects are full of protein, making them one of the best trout food sources. Ants are rarely passed by the fish as they provide a great, nutritious meal. Ants are used for dry fly fishing but, even if they sink – they can be quite effective.

The best months for fishing with ant fly patterns is the time when they are most active in searching for food and reproducing – May through September. However, you can effectively use this pattern from April through October, sometimes well into November, in some areas. Their activity peaks during the mid-morning through the afternoon – making it the best time of day to present this fly. A great time would also be after heavy rain as rain washes them off into the river. The heavier the rain – the more chances for strikes. If the water is stained – black ant patterns will do the job.

When fishing faster, swift waters, larger patterns are recommended. For slow-moving waters, smaller patterns are more effective, especially for more selective fish. Ants can also be very deadly on still waters.

Fly Fishing Terrestrial Flies

Terrestrial insects are land-bred. Some of the species of terrestrials include hoppers (grasshoppers), ants, beetles, bees, crickets, etc.

Terrestrials are one of the essential food sources for trout and other game fish during the summer months. Hot summer months are when the aquatic insects become sparse, the trout is the most active and grows the fastest. This is when terrestrials become their most important food source as a rich source of protein. A terrestrial falling into the water is a great and nutritious meal for fish as these insects are usually bulkier and heavier than aquatic insects and they provide a large calorie intake when the trout need it most.

Terrestrial fly patterns are effective from May till October, and sometimes even into November.

As terrestrials are most active and most likely to fall in the river during the day, the best time to fish these fly patterns is anytime from late morning all the way through the evening. Windy days are best as the wind ‘pushes’ them to the water. Optimal locations to present terrestrial patterns are along cut banks, grassy shorelines, or under big trees – places where fish wait for them – easy meals just dropping in. As these insects will eventually be pulled further into the river – midstream can also be a good place to present your fly.

On smaller streams fish are depending mostly on terrestrials as their food source. Small waters don’t have the high-energy riffles where the aquatic insects spend much of their lifecycles. For fishing small streams – terrestrials are a must.

Be it mid-summer, early fall, or the midst of spring – fishing terrestrial fly patterns can provide top dry-fly action!