Flying Ant Patterns

The Douglas Fly

The Douglas fly was developed on Badger Lake in the Mt. Hood National Forest. 

I had been trolling a wet fly from my raft without any luck, even though fish were rising now and then to a small insect. I finally identified it as a flying black ant which I did not have. So, I rowed back to camp to try and match the hatch. Within a short time I was back on the water with my new adaptation, and fish started taking it aggressively. I was amazed. It was successful even though it was not an exact replica of the flying ant; however, it did possess the overall size and shape, and for some fish close is good enough. I also believe that the red tail and silver tinsel drew attention to the pattern. 

Ant patterns can be fished wet or dry or in the surface film. Hatches of flying ants can be present from April through September when many get blown or knocked into the water. 

Materials:

Hook:  3906 B sizes 14-8

Thread:  3/0 black monocord

Tail:  Red hackle fibers

Body:  Black chenille

Rib:  Medium sized silver oval tinsel

Hackle:  Grizzly tied wet

Two More Flying ant patterns:

Black Gnat (Dry)                            Split Body (Wet)