Fur Ants
by
Eugene P. Macri Jr.
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© 2006 E.
P. Macri Jr.
Fur Ants
Ants are one of the deadliest patterns on
limestone and freestone streams alike. You should have a
selection of sizes 14 thru 24. Use the largest pattern that the
fish will take. Look for fish that will take an ant. Ants fall
into the stream all summer long. Trout against a bank or under
brush. Fish get accustomed to taking ants whether

there are many on the water or not. Put some
floatant on the bodies. Any type of dry fly stuff will do. Fish
the ants upstream with long, light tippets. If the fish come up
but do not take, there are a number of possible problems.
First, make sure you don´t have drag. Second, if you are sure
you don´t have drag go to a smaller pattern. Third, if all else
fails try a different color.
Don´t forget to carry some large black ants with you too. These
size 14 ants will take fish when the smaller ones won´t. There
are some large ants along many trout streams. Look for rotting
logs near the water! You might be surprised at what you find.
Rods that handle 2, 3, or 4 weights have the delicacy needed to
present these small flies. Ants will work until the cold
weather hits. They will often bring a fish up that no
other pattern can.
Tying Tips: Start thread at rear of hook. Spin
some rabbit fur and make the first hump or part of the abdomen.
Tie off and tie on a small dry fly hackle of the correct color.
Make only one wrap. Tie off hackle and spin fur for the second
hump or thorax. Whip finish. These are easy to tie and
extremely deadly
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Hook
|
Body
|
Hackle
|
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Any
light dry fly hook
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Black,
Tan, Red or Cinnamon
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Black, or tan Dry Fly
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Sz
14-24 fine thread
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Rabbit
fur or Mixtures
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You can trim the legs to 6
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