How to Tie the Parachute Ant Fly Pattern

Learn how to tie the Parachute Ant fly pattern including step-by-step instructions, a video tutorial, pictures, and much more. Improve your fly tying skills here.

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A go-to dry fly from spring through fall, this Parachute Ant just plain works. Ants are a common source of calories and one of those things that trout feed on from spring through the fall, and this Parachute Ant has a realistic silhouette that does an excellent job at matching the hatch. Adapt this fly to match any size of ants in your area and toss it under those low hanging branches or in a meadowed stream and you'll quickly see why this fly should have a permanent spot in your box.

Materials:

We've put together a kit that contains all the materials you need to tie this exact fly pattern.

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• Hook: Ahrex FW503 (size: 14 but this fly can be tied in sizes 24-10)
• Thread: Danville 140 Denier Waxed Flymaster Plus Thread (color: black)
• Body: Hareline Super Fine Dry Fly Dub (color: black)
• Parachute post: Hareline Polypropylene Floating Yarn (color: white)
• Hackle: Black Saddle Hackle

Step One

Start the pattern by running the thread from the hook’s eye to the curve to establish a base.

Step Two

For the parachute post, secure an inch of the Polypropylene Floating Yarn on top of the shank with a few pinch-wraps. Pull the material upward, split the material with the thread, then make several helicopter wraps around the yarn’s base.

Step Three

Next, secure a hackle between the post and the eye. Be sure to leave the feather intact, and we’ll come back to it.

Step Four

To develop the Parachute Ant’s abdomen, apply dry fly dubbing to the thread and make several wraps around the shank, about a pencil’s width behind the post. The dubbed abdomen should take the shape of a ball.

Step Five

The thorax section uses dry fly dubbing too. Apply more dubbing to the thread and wrap behind the post to form an additional shaped ball. Remember, the thorax should run slightly smaller than the abdomen.

Step Six

Helicopter wrap the hackle around the post several times, secure the feather in front of the post, then clip the excess fibers.

Step Seven

The Parachute Ant is ready to hit the water after trimming the parachute post and securing a whip finish.