Step-by-Step Foam Flying Ant Fly Pattern Tutorial

With: Troutlore

There’s nothing quite like those post-storm days when flying ants take over the waterways, and the trout can’t resist. This foam flying ant pattern is your ticket to imitating those little aerial invaders that trout go wild for. It floats beautifully, has the perfect scraggly wings, and shows that irresistible cinnamon underside that trout can’t help but smack. Whether you’re tying it for a big afternoon on Victorian rivers or just want a trusty ant pattern in your box, this fly will have you catching fish and turning heads on the water. Let’s get tying!

🪡 Step-by-Step Fly Tying Instructions

1. Hook & Thread

   • Start with a size 14 Golden Steel 4214 dry fly hook (sizes 10–14 work well).

   • Mount Ador Vivas thread just behind the hook eye, leaving a small gap. Wrap back to the bend of the hook and trim excess.

2. Tail/Base Foam

   • Cut a thin black foam strip (3 mm wide × 2 mm thick).

   • Trim one end to a point. Position the foam at the bend of the hook and secure with touching wraps, letting the tail extend slightly beyond the bend.

3. Body Dubbing

   • Use cinnamon-colored upper hollow dub.

   • Apply a small pinch to the thread and create a thin “noodle.” Wrap back from the hook point into the foam to build a subtle ant body.

   • Add a tiny extra pinch to form a small ball at the rear of the body.

4. Wings

   • Select two grizzly dry fly feathers with long tips. Trim each feather to create a taper and approximately 1-inch length.

   • Tie in the wings with shiny sides facing down at a 30–35° angle. Secure with loose thread wraps and adjust lengths to match. Trim excess feather stems.

5. Legs (Hackle)

   • Use a black hackle feather. Strip fibers from one side to expose the stem.

   • Tie in the feather stem along the hook shank. Wrap in touching turns to create legs while maintaining flotation. Lock off with a couple of thread wraps and trim excess.

6. Foam Body Wrap

   • Fold foam over the body, bringing it forward. Wrap thread over foam to secure, ensuring a smooth, tapered ant shape. Trim foam close.

7. Finish Front Body

   • Add a bit more cinnamon dubbing to fill out the front section of the body. Wrap until the body looks full but natural.

8. Whip Finish & Trim

   • Apply 2–3 turn whip finishes at the front of the fly.

   • Trim thread and any excess materials. Your foam flying ant is ready to hit the water!

📝 Materials List

Hook:

• Golden Steel 4214 dry fly hook, size 10–14

Thread:

• Ador Vivas, color to match body (standard brown or black works)

Body Foam:

• Black foam, 3 mm × 2 mm

Dubbing:

• Upper hollow dubbing, cinnamon color

Wings:

• Grizzly dry fly feathers, trimmed and tapered

Hackle / Legs:

• Black hackle feather

Tools:

• Scissors, whip finisher, bobbin, tweezers (optional), dubbing needle