Foam Ant

The Foam Ant is a simple but highly effective terrestrial pattern made from buoyant foam segments that imitate the low-riding silhouette of natural ants trout feed on from spring through fall. The basic two-segment body has inspired many variations, including parachute styles for selective fish and versions tied in black, cinnamon, or red to match different conditions and waters. Durable, easy to see, and capable of staying afloat in rough or calm water, the Foam Ant remains one of the most reliable and adaptable patterns in any fly box.

When fishing a Foam Ant, lightly grease only the front segment with floatant and leave the rear segment untreated—this makes the fly sit at a subtle forward-tilt that perfectly mimics a real ant struggling in the film, a posture trout key on during tough, technical conditions.