The August Fly of the Month is the Hard Body Ant demonstrated by Jim Galvin.
Recipe:
Hook: Tiemco dry fly hook (#16 TMC 100 or similar)
Thorax and abdomen: two size 10/0 seed beads
Thread: Black 6/0 or 8/0
Clear coat: Sally Hansen’s Hard-as-Nails
Legs: Black hackle size 16
1. Add the seed beads to the hook and place hook in vise.
2. Separate the 2 beads to form the thorax and abdomen.
3. Wrap black thread in front and back of each bead to build up round segments.
4. Clip the thread.
5. Dab on the Hard-as-Nails to smooth the thorax and abdomen segments. Use a bodkin the clear any Hard-as-Nails from between the thorax and abdomen, so that they are distinct segments. Let dry.
6. Tie in black thread between the thorax and abdomen. Tie in the hackle and wrap forward between the segments. Tie off and clip the hackle.
7. Finish with half-hitches or whip finish.
This is a great summertime pattern. Twitch along the surface to mimic a struggling ant, or let it slowly sink with a small split shot.
