Chernobyl Ant

intermediateterrestrialdry flyanthopperattractorsummerfalltroutriverstream

Description

The Chernobyl Ant is a buoyant foam terrestrial that suggests ants, beetles, hoppers, and stoneflies more than one exact insect. This tan foam variant fishes well in summer pocket water, along grassy banks, and as the dry in a dry-dropper rig. The tie is straightforward, but keeping the foam centered and the legs even takes some care.

Materials

Tying Instructions

1.
Secure the hook in the vise and start the thread behind the eye.
2.
Wrap a firm thread base back to the bend, keeping the wraps flat.
3.
Cut two tan foam strips about one hook gap wide and slightly longer than the hook shank.
4.
Stack the foam strips and tie them in at the bend with firm, centered wraps to form the rear segment.
5.
Tie in one barred rubber leg on each side at the rear tie-down point.
6.
Advance the thread to the middle of the shank and bind the foam down again to form the waist.
7.
Tie in one barred rubber leg on each side at the middle tie-down point.
8.
Advance the thread to one hook-eye length behind the eye and bind the foam down to form the front segment.
9.
Tie in one barred rubber leg on each side at the front tie-down point.
10.
Tie in a short white polypropylene yarn post on top of the front segment as a sight wing.
11.
Trim the rear and front foam ends square, leaving a short overhang at each end.
12.
Trim the legs even on both sides so they extend just beyond the hook bend.
13.
Whip finish at the front tie-down point and apply a small drop of head cement to the thread wraps.