The Red Ant is frequently used early in June, though the natural insect is not seen so early. The imitation, however, frequently meets with success, though it is improbable that the trout takes the imitation for the natural insect, especially as the wings are always put on in a vertical position.
The bodies of all the Ants should be made fat towards the bend of the hook, and carried well on to the bend.
As the body of the Ant is very shiny, parts of it, when the light falls upon it, have a very brilliant appearance; therefore I have recommended the use of tinsel.
Red Ant—
Body. Red-brown (burnt sienna) silk, thin on the shank and fat towards and on the bend of the hook, ribbed with gold tinsel.
Hackle. Red.
Wings. Transparent part of a starling’s quill feather.
Hook. 0—2.
Black Ant—
Body. Black silk, ribbed with silver tinsel.