Ed's Black Ant Flies

Ed’s Black Ant is a classic dry fly pattern that perfectly imitates the profile and behavior of a terrestrial black ant—a major food source for trout during the warm months. With its segmented body and subtle silhouette, this pattern excels in trickling streams, meadow creeks, and along riverbanks where ants are blown or dropped into the water. Its simple design belies its effectiveness, especially during hot summer afternoons and early fall when trout eagerly target terrestrials. Designed for precision casting and realistic drift, Ed’s Black Ant sits naturally in the surface film and is best fished on a light tippet to fool selective feeders. Its buoyancy and size make it ideal for fishing near overhanging vegetation, grassy banks, and along seams where drifting ants are common. Whether you’re stalking rising trout in a backcountry stream or working a tight cast under brush, this fly delivers consistent results.