Troutbitten Parachute Ant

Materials

How to Tie the Troutbitten Parachute Ant

1. 1

   Step 1

   Secure the dry fly hook in the vise. Start black thread and wrap a base to the bend.

2. 2

   Step 2

   Tie in a small bunch of black deer hair at the bend, tips extending rearward to form the rear shell.

3. 3

   Step 3

   Dub a ball of black Antron Sparkle Dub at the rear for the abdomen/gaster of the ant.

4. 4

   Step 4

   Pull the deer hair forward over the abdomen and tie down to form the rear shell. Leave a gap of bare shank in the middle for the waist.

5. 5

   Step 5

   Tie in a post of white macramé yarn upright at the midpoint of the shank.

   Use figure-eight wraps and a thread dam to keep the post vertical.

6. 6

   Step 6

   Tie in a brown rooster hackle at the base of the post. Wrap 3-6 turns parachute-style around the post base.

   More wraps for larger sizes, fewer for smaller.

7. 7

   Step 7

   Dub a smaller ball of black Antron Sparkle Dub in front of the post to form the head/thorax of the ant.

8. 8

   Step 8

   Whip finish behind the eye. Trim any excess and apply head cement.