How It’s Tied
The Ant Fly replicates the appearance and buoyancy of a real ant using simple yet effective materials. A short-shank hook creates a compact profile, while the body is crafted from foam, fur, or dubbed synthetic fibers. Thread wraps or contrasting materials add segmentation, and rubber or synthetic fibers can be used for legs. This straightforward design allows for customization in size, color, and materials to match local insect hatches.
What It Mimics
This fly imitates ants and other small terrestrial insects that often fall onto the water’s surface. As a key food source for surface-feeding fish, the Ant Fly excels at triggering strikes, especially in summer or after rain when terrestrial activity is high. Its realistic yet simple design makes it a must-have for any fly angler.
Where It’s Used
Versatile and effective, the Ant Fly works well in rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds—particularly near overhanging vegetation, grassy banks, or areas with abundant terrestrial insects.
How to Fish It
Present the fly delicately on the surface, letting it drift naturally or adding subtle twitches to mimic a struggling insect. It can be fished alone as a dry fly or paired with a dropper nymph. Watch for gentle takes, as fish may sip it quietly, requiring a quick and precise hook set.
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What It Mimics
The Red Tag fly imitates various aquatic insects, such as mayflies, caddisflies, and midges. Its namesake red tag replicates the egg sac of a spawning insect, triggering fish to strike. The bushy hackle collar mimics legs and wings, while the peacock herl body adds an enticing iridescent shimmer.
Where It’s Used
A favorite among fly anglers worldwide, the Red Tag excels in rivers and stillwaters, effectively targeting trout, grayling, and other species. It performs best in insect-rich waters, closely resembling natural prey. For optimal results, fish it near the surface or slightly below, using a dead drift or subtle twitches to imitate struggling insects.
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Griffith’s Gnat is a versatile dry fly pattern that mimics small midges and other insects.
How to Tie It
The Griffith’s Gnat is simple yet effective, requiring only a short-shank hook, fine thread, and two key materials: peacock herl and grizzly hackle. The body consists of one or more strands of peacock herl wrapped around the hook to create a slender, segmented profile. The grizzly hackle is then palmered along the body, adding movement, imitating legs or wings, and enhancing buoyancy. This fly can be tied in various sizes to match local insect hatches.
What It Mimics
The Griffith’s Gnat imitates small midges, especially midge clusters, and other tiny aquatic insects that trout and other fish feed on. Its slender shape, subtle iridescence from the peacock herl, and lifelike movement from the hackle make it an excellent imitation of multiple insects, making it a must-have for fly anglers.
Where to Use It
This fly excels in rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds, particularly during midge hatches. For best results, present it delicately on the surface and let it drift naturally with the current. Applying floatant helps maintain buoyancy after multiple casts. Beyond dead drifting, subtle twitches can mimic a struggling insect, triggering more strikes.
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