Education, Fly Tying

How To Tie: Alpine Ant

Welcome to Fly Tying Tuesday

The Alpine Ant- Small Fly, Big Results

When you’re fishing high-country streams and alpine creeks, conditions are often fast, clear, and unforgiving. You need a fly that’s both buoyant and believable — something trout can spot in tumbling pocket water, but not so flashy that it turns them off. That’s where the Alpine ant comes in. This pattern is tied short and compact on the Umpqua X-Series Stubby Hook, which helps it sit low and ride naturally on the surface. The wing of Wapsi Elk Rump Hair keeps it afloat, even in heavy riffles, while a touch of Wapsi Midge Flash gives just enough shimmer to imitate the sparkle of a real caddis emerging from the surface film.

Let’s Tie, see Taylor in action in the video!

Materials Used: (all available at AvidMax)

Step-by-Step Tying Instructions:

Step 1: Select and Secure the Hook: Start by placing a size 16 Umpqua Stubby T dry fly hook, size 16 in your vise and securing it tightly.

Step 2: Lay Down the Thread Base: Using UTC Ultra Thread 70 denier in black, start wrapping just behind the eye and continue down to the bend in smooth, even turns. This creates a foundation for materials to grip and helps define the fly’s profile.

Step 3: Build the Abdomen: Apply a small pinch of Hareline Super Fine Dry Fly Dubbing (black) to the thread, twist to form a tight noodle and wrap forward to create a segmented abdomen. Keep the shape slightly tapered, thicker toward the thorax.

Step 4: Tie in the Wing Flash: Use Wapsi Midge Flash in Pearl, cut a short strand and tie it in at the midpoint of the hook shank. Position it so it extends slightly past the bend, mimicking a wing shimmer.

Step 5: Add the Elk Rump Hair Wings: Clip a small bunch of Wapsi Elk Rump Hair, clean out the underfur. Stack the tips and tie them in over the flash, tips extending just past the bend. Secure with tight thread wraps and trim the butts cleanly.

Step 6: Prepare and Wrap the Hackle: Select a feather from Whiting Farms Pro Grade Cape (black). Strip the base fibers and tie in the stem just in front of the wing. Make 3–4 wraps forward, keeping the hackle evenly spaced. Tie off and trim excess feather.

Step 7: Form the Head and Finish: Build a small thread head just behind the eye, whip finish with 4–5 turns and cut the thread. Apply a drop of head cement for durability.

Tips & Tricks

Best Season: Late summer to early fall is prime time, especially during ant falls when winged ants are blown onto the water.

Size Matters: Sizes 14–18 are most effective. Match the hatch by observing local ant species.

Water Type: Ideal for stillwater and slow-moving streams. Use floating lines and light tippets for subtle presentation.

Prospecting: Great for searching when no hatch is visible—trout often key in on ants as opportunistic feeders.

How to Fish It 

  • Dead drift: Present the Alpine Ant with a natural dead drift on the surface. Focus on areas near banks, under overhanging vegetation, or where ants are likely to fall into the water. 
  • Terrestrial trigger: Use this fly during warm afternoons when terrestrial insects are active. Trout often key in on ants as opportunistic feeders. 
  • Stillwater strategy: In alpine lakes, cast near shorelines or drop-offs and let the fly sit motionless. Subtle twitches can help trigger strikes. 
  • Dropper combo: Pair the Alpine Ant with a small dropper nymph below for added versatility, especially when fish are hesitant to rise. 

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