Foam Ant Pattern

[Raven456]

I'm looking for an easy and effective foam ant pattern, preferably hi-vis or with an indicator. Would love to hear your suggestions. Thanks in advance!

 

[LouM]

Google it!

 

[afishinado]

Can't be simplier:

http://www.wapsifly.com/pfk02.html

 

[AmishOutlaw]

Nice Afish, I have never used peacock on my ants in the past, I will have to try that.

 

[JackM]

The peacock pattern was a beetle.

 

[Raven456]

I have Googled it and seen a bunch but just wanted some first hand opinions. I know it's like asking someone how to walk, couldn't be easier, but when you're a novice I always find it better to pose a question to those with more experience.

 

[Treeguy]

A great way to make foam Ants. Also change the shape of the foam you cut for other good patterns also. I make beetles often the same way just with a bigger strip or round shape cut of foam. Sometimes stripping raffia over the back

I get cheap foam at walmart. Black Cut out small strips -

Start with the hook i like size 18,16 sometimes 12

I wrap peacock sometimes around the hook for a sparkle.

Also many ways to make legs, use small black hackle or rubber legs.

I wrap the foam on the front of hook ( use a small v notch on the front of the foam to tie it on the hook)

Then going down the hook i wrap it tight into 3 segments so it looks real. Shape and size you play with. I often cut the foam to shape it best.

Also you can paint the black foam with a red color nail polish for a cinn. ant look.

 

[AmishOutlaw]

Your right Jack, I guess I need to read a bit more carefully

 

[ryguyfi]

You can also tie the simple pattern that Afish posted with a small piece of orange foam for an indicator. Just tie it in with your thread wraps at the front of the fly. Orange is a great color to see on the water, and the fish won't see it from below. Also try the ant in all orange foam too.

 

[afishinado]

Good article in latest "Hatches" mag about ants:

http://hatchesmagazine.com/blogs/Hatches/2009/07/09/ants-when-little-things-mean-a-lot-by-russ-forney/

 

[ryguyfi]

anyone tie a red ant pattern? I tied some up with a few blacks yesterday, figured worth a shot, and a little easier to see.

 

[JeffK]

Red and orange ants work just fine.

The easiest ant pattern I ever saw I learned from Ed Koch at a fly show.


Find a scrap of foam about the right size. Tie by the middle to the shank of a dry fly hook. Whip finish (actually he used half hitches). Go fishing.

 

[jayL]

I tie the pattern jeffk mentioned, but lash it to the hook twice for a more ant-like profile. Float it or stomp it in the mud and sink it. It fishes best behind an elk hair caddis instead of adding some kind of indicator yarn.

 

[jaybo41]

I have been tying the kind that Afish provided the link for, that's as simple as it gets. I've also been tying a similar pattern with the foam tube segmented in 3 pieces. Then a few wraps of hackle over the thread, also pretty simple. If you are looking for simplicity, either get the tubes as shown in Afish's link or get your foam and a cutter to form the body if you're into that style.

I'm also a fan of having the dubbed ants on hand so that you can fish wet or just below the surface right behind a Stimulator, Chernoble Ant, Beetle or Hopper, used as an indicator.

 

[Millertime]

I'm also a fan of having the dubbed ants on hand so that you can fish wet or just below the surface right behind a Stimulator, Chernoble Ant, Beetle or Hopper, used as an indicator.

Nice plan.