Beetles And Ants . . .

[Phil Lilley]

Got out on upper Lake Taneycomo this morning about 8:30 am. Drove up and parked at the MDC boat ramp and walked down to the water above the ramp. No generation and there was a nice breeze blowing down the lake. Not many people fishing.

Linc and I split up. Linc likes to fish up at Rocking Chair perched on the rock (most of you may know what rock I'm speaking of). I started right there at the tower.

Trout were rising but very spotty. I targeted these fish, throwing a #16 black ant Brad Wright gave me. It's a foam body with hackle and a white post. Rides the surface nice and easy to see. I had 4 hookups, 4 misses and several looks. I also threw a #16 black beetle, caught one and had 4 looks. Stripped a red #18 soft hackle and had one strike. The chop on the water usually is great for soft hackles but not today.

Everyone up there was catching fish, just few and far between. Most were stripping flies, either midges or woolies.

I walked up to where Linc was fishing. He'd done fair on midges. I threw the ant a little bit before we had to go and they liked it up there. I hooked 3 more rainbows and had 4 more strikes in short order.

I like this little ant. I've asked Brad to tie some up for me to add to our fly inventory at the shop.

Took the gopro and tried to take some still images but had it on the wrong setting... no pics! Sorry.

[ColdWaterFshr]

Beetles and ants? Dangit. Thats about the only thing I didn't throw at them on Sunday morning. I threw about every midge size and color I had though.

[Phil Lilley]

The ant Brad gave me to use this morning is Tom Roger's pattern. Wanted to make sure Tom got credit for the great ant pattern.

[Phil Lilley]

Actually found an image of the fly - on this site:

http://www.guidegreenriver.com/bugs/files/category-dry-fly.html

It's made from Rainy's Hi-Viz ant body material. I'll have to order some of this stuff in... looks good.

[Brian K. Shaffer]

Did you try my beetle Phil ? Or decide it was too big ? I generally use it on 6X mono.. RIO. Brian

EDIT - did you see my ants on the fly tying recipe page ?

[Phil Lilley]

Haven't done very well on your beetle. They seems to like a smaller profile.

[Brian K. Shaffer]

Here is my sz 16 foam ant... beetle is tied the same way. Note the super point hook.

It is a low riding pattern.. meaning it sits in the film.

Not up on top with hackles.

[ColdWaterFshr]

nice ties!

[mic]

Brian,

What's the recipe?

[Brian K. Shaffer]

Red 8/0 Uni thread

Sz 16 Tiemco 100 SP-BL (super point, barbless - take a look at that hook!)

Round foam to match size of ants

Bind the foam in at the rear.. advance your thread to make the rear section, pull foam over and tie it down.

Attach 2 sets of legs using the figure 8 wrap technique. Advance thread to make abdomen, same as rear.

Cut off foam leaving a little head portion. Attach another set of legs.

Whip finish / head cement / coat legs with good glue. Add dot if you want to see it better.

Go get it wet and catch trouts!