Black Ant

The Black Ant is a simple but highly effective terrestrial fly pattern designed to imitate the common ant—an irresistible meal for trout during late spring through fall. With its segmented black body and subtle profile, this pattern mimics ants that have fallen or been blown into the water, especially along grassy banks, undercut edges, or overhanging trees. Trout key in on ants for their high protein content and are often willing to take them with confidence even during non-hatch periods.

The Black Ant rides low in the surface film, creating a realistic silhouette from below. It can be fished alone or as a dropper behind a more visible dry fly for better tracking. It’s an especially effective fly when fish are ignoring larger patterns or sipping cautiously in calm water.

To fish the Black Ant effectively, present it with a delicate cast and a dead-drift in slower current, eddies, or near cover. In stillwater or on technical streams, a slight twitch can imitate a struggling insect and trigger reaction strikes from opportunistic fish.