Hymenoptera (Ants)
Ants are found all over the world and can be common fare for trout in the rivers around Bozeman, Montana throughout summer and into fall as hatches of common insects dissipate.
Ants (Formica spp.) come in a variety of colors from black to brown to red or cinnamon as well as a mixture of those colors. Their imitations are essential to late summer dry fly fishing in Montana as trout become wary of hopper and large attractor patterns. Our guides rely heavily on ant patterns during guided fly fishing trips along the upper Yellowstone and Madison rivers.
If ants are unlucky enough to fall in a river, trout quickly key in on them. Look for a shore covered in long grasses or with overhanging branches from bushes and trees. A windy day will knock ants into the water offering hungry trout a decent sized meal.
Ants don’t float well on the surface of rivers, so try a slightly sunken fly pattern or add a bit of weight for the best success on hot days when trout aren’t rising. If you’re still not having luck, try varying the size and color or the depth. Also try dropping the fly with a splashier than normal landing mimicking an ant falling from their perch above the water.
A flying ant is a rarity, but when fish are tuned into these insects, the fishing can be amazing. Be sure to have a couple in your box for just such an occasion. Late August finds swarms of flying ants along the upper Madison River between Varney Bridge and Ennis, Montana. The dry fly fishing in the evenings can be amazing once the trout begin to key into flying ants.
3 Top Ant Patterns for Montana Fly Fishing
3 Essential Ant Patterns For Fly Fishing in Montana
