Traditional dry fly patterns tend toward the lighter shades of brown, green and black into tan, olive, yellow or grey. Of course, those pattern colors work wonders but consider the darker color…black too. On bright skied days try darker silhouettes to get a rise.
The Simple Black Ant (DS Fly Fishing)
The simple Ant, blown into the stream or mountain lake. Let’s see how complicated one can make this two materials fly pattern. Foam, more visible indicators so you can see it, dubbed abdomen and thorax…I suppose those are worthy additions, but for starters black, brown, red bodies with the basic one to two turns of hackle. Floatation: would the super fine dubbing add to floatation over a thread body?
This Ant Pattern by The Fly Guide has a nice touch of visible CDC that would aid in floatation and visibility. The dubbed abdomen/thorax would aid in floatation also.
Both patterns are excellent producers and frankly fish engulf even the simple thread body leaving little doubt of their presence. Embellish the patterns with parachutes and foam if you must but the simple patterns work well also.
