| So why do trout relish ants so much? Many forms of | | | | indication that they are interested but a little unsure. Try |
| this question have been posed to me quite often of | | | | using a smaller size...one size at a time until you find the |
| late. Perhaps they get tuned into ants because they | | | | right size. Of course "the right size" will be defined by |
| are so prevalent during the summer months. Perhaps | | | | the size you're using when you get your first take. |
| they like the acidic flavor of ants? How do I know that | | | | When fishing these smaller sizes, don't be afraid to tie |
| ants are acidic? Well, let me tell you that I have no | | | | in a post as a visual aid. Posts should be kept fairly |
| personal experience with that one but have read | | | | small so that the trout cannot see it from underneath. |
| reports where others have actually resorted to taste | | | | Posts are usually made from calf tail, antron or other |
| testing of ants. Why? Because they love their sport. | | | | similar, high floating material in white. |
| Every serious fly fisherman will carry various ant | | | | On the other hand, if you are fishing swift, choppy |
| patterns in their fly box at all times and will use them | | | | water, when the trout need to make a split second |
| often. There are even times when trout will snub a | | | | decision or miss a meal, you may need to use a large |
| substantial may fly hatch for these juicy, acidic ants. | | | | pattern like a carpenter ant in a size 12 or 14. |
| Ant patterns can be used effectively from April | | | | Also, don't forget about flying ants. Flying ants are tied |
| through October and sometimes even into November | | | | exactly the same as the standard patterns only with |
| in some areas but the best time to use ants is typically | | | | wings tied in using either antron yarn or hackle tips. |
| from May through September when they are the | | | | You can fish flying ants any time during the day even |
| most active in searching for food and/or mating. You | | | | if you don't see any naturals out. The key again is to |
| can use ants any time during the day but the best time | | | | find the right size. |
| is mid-morning or after, when the ground has warmed | | | | Live ants in North America range in sizes between |
| and the ants kick it into high gear. | | | | about 1/8" to the large carpenter ants about 3/4". So |
| If you are fishing slow moving, clear water, you may | | | | make sure to carry ant patterns from size 12 to size |
| want to use smaller ant patterns especially if your foe | | | | 22 or 24. You'll also want to carry different styles of |
| seems to be very selective. If you see trout rising to | | | | ant patterns and even some smaller sizes (size 18 and |
| your ant pattern and then turning away, that is an | | | | smaller) in cinnamon, red and even brown. |