Black Flying Ant
Imitates: Winged flying ant
Quick Reference
- Best Sizes
- #14-20
- Best Season
- Summer into early fall
- Best Conditions
- Calm banks, slicks, ponds, slow runs, post-rain ant falls
- Water Temp
- 58-74°F
- Recommended Tippet
- 5X-6X
How to Rig It
Single dry on fine tippet. Best when fish are visibly sipping small bugs from the film.
How to Present It
Land it softly and let it sit. Tiny twitches can help after a long dead drift.
Why It Works
Flying ant falls are one of the most intense but overlooked feeding events in trout fishing. Fish key hard on the segmented silhouette and shiny wings.
History
Ant patterns have existed for generations, but the modern foam flying ant became a standard because it floats longer and shows the exact pinched-waist outline fish expect.
Pro Tip
After thunderstorms or hot humid afternoons, always keep a flying ant ready. Some of the best dry-fly fishing of the year happens during ant flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I try a flying ant?+
Any time you see confident sippers but no obvious hatch, especially in late summer or after weather changes.
Not sure if Black Flying Ant is right today?
Get a fly recommendation based on live water temp, flow, sky, and time of day for any river in the US.
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