Fly Tying: Deer Hair Ant

Vise: Renzetti Traveler - amzn.to/2Z56vGj
Bobbin: Stonfo Bobtec 1 (my FAVORITE!) - amzn.to/2XXlSSt
N202 Hook - www.allenflyfi...
Hanak 130 hook - amzn.to/3evDQRd
8/0 UNI - amzn.to/3hT7Rg9
Semperfli Nano Silk 18/0 thread - amzn.to/2CujF86
Black deer hair - amzn.to/37YPTUY OR amzn.to/2YrD16v
Other Stonfo FAVORITES:
Stonfo Elite vise: amzn.to/2RPLJYj
Stonfo Tool Bar: amzn.to/36I9GXS
Stonfo Kaiman - amzn.to/2ZGymhY
Stonfo Transformer vise: amzn.to/2Klpc1K OR amzn.to/2VlHJRN
Stonfo Elite Hackle Plier: amzn.to/2Y18Gvw
Stonfo Elite Rotodubbing Twister: amzn.to/2yCwhYP
Stonfo Dubbing Brush: amzn.to/34SaTet
Euro nymphing setup:
Rod: Orvis Helios 3F 10'6" 3 weight - amzn.to/3djzyuV
Reel: Ross Evolution LTX - amzn.to/2Nf0pxu
Line: Cortland Competition Braid Core - amzn.to/2NbZv4Z
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Thanks for viewing this KZbin fly fishing tutorial, and I encourage you to view my additional videos at the following website: www.troutandfea...
In this fly tying tutorial, less is definitely more! Featured in this video is a deer hair ant consisting of just a couple materials. The buoyant fly is realistic, easy to tie, and most importantly, effective. I first stumbled across this pattern in George Harvey's book and believe this to be one of the best ant patterns out there. You can also turn this into a high-visibility fly by adding some fluorescent yarn to the top. As always, if you decide to revise the pattern at all, please feel free to share the results!
If you have any thoughts or questions based on this video, please leave them down below in the "Comments" section or you can email me: [e-mail]
Fly fishing for beginners can be difficult at first, thus be sure to stick with it and ask others for advice. If in the need for some helpful tips and other fly tying and fly fishing information, be sure to check out my "Trout and Feather" accounts on Facebook and Instagram. Through my website, you can also sign-up for monthly emails; just scroll down to the bottom of the home page. Thanks! www.troutandfea...
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[@TimCammisa]

You're welcome, Mark. I am absolutely happy to help, and receiving feedback like that always makes my day! Thanks for the kind words, and let me know if I can ever be of assistance. Good luck tying! Tim

[@Mojsinjski]

Greetings Tim! Excellent ant,, as real,, This ant, chub and trout will not resist You make it easy to understand and use your medthods. Thanks Tim!

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks, Zoran; I'm glad to hear everything went well for you in the video. We're not fishing a lot now due to the weather, but hope to be soon. Tim

[@iwillp]

Hi Tim, thanks for your videos. I am new to tying and your videos are a godsend for us inexperienced guys. You make it easy to understand and use your medthods. Please don't stop because you make it fun to tie. I may a bit long in the tooth but i still like to learn new things always. Regards, Mark

[@seanmooney3907]

Excellent ant! I would have never thought it was possible to tie a deer hair ant. However, when I saw that you were tying it, I knew anything is possible! All the best, Sean

[@stevequinn9704]

Wow.....I've been looking for a good ant pattern and even tried on my own. This is a GREAT pattern, and surprisingly easy! Thanks for sharing!!

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for the kind words, Steve, and be sure to let me know how it works for you! Tim

[@jagger1streamer]

I use a similar ant model from deer hair from many years ago. This is one of my favorites flies. Technique: one material - one fly is very simple and effective. Congratulation Tim. Thanks. All the best. Miro

[@TimCammisa]

Thank you, Miro; your words are very kind. We definitely agree on this great pattern, and simple typically does equal effective. All the best to you as well, and thank you again. Tim

[@jagger1streamer]

Thanks Tim and many big fishes on your flies. Cheers. All the best. Miro

[@nenemannick4455]

Great,easy to make pattern and I reckon it will work a treat over here in England,for trout and coarse species. Many thanks for sharing it.

[@TimCammisa]

You got it, Nick, and I appreciate the comments. Let me know how the ant works for you. Thanks again! TC

[@bjrnj.larsen9658]

Looks very good. Natural materials - natural look. Appealing to me. Thanks!

[@ml2106]

i do love your tying style. Thanks a lot ! i gonna try some of your patterns here and there.

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks, ML; I appreciate the kind comments. If you have any other comments or questions, don't hesitate to leave them in the "Comments" section of any of my videos. Be sure to update me if any specific patterns work well for you! TC

[@dannyjett7225]

Tim. Once again fantastic video my friend. I couldn't resist tying up a few of this pattern so I'm tying up size #18. I'm really excited about fishing them as we speak. I am on the Jackson River in Covington, Va. Will let you know how I do. Cheers Buddy.

[@TimCammisa]

This is easily one of my most effective ant imitations, though sometimes I put some type of hi-vis material on it. That depends on the distance I'm casting the pattern because it can disappear quickly! Thanks for the comment, Danny and let me know how you do with the ant. Tim

[@robertandersson331]

such a easy and nice fly cant wait til next season to try it thanks tim

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for the comments, Robert, and you're right that this is such an easy fly to tie. I recommend having some that are high-visible based on your fishing spots, being that this pattern can be tough to see in certain conditions. Thanks again, and be sure to let me know how it works for you. Tim

[@robertandersson331]

thanks i will

[@TheChannning]

Very very very helpful video so simple and easy I actually have some black dear hair now. Thanks.... tight lines :)

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for the comment, Channing, and you picked a good one to tie! Let me know how everything turns out. TC

[@TheChannning]

I tied this flie with buck tail black.... This fly turned out great Tim it was not as good as the one you tied but im only a beginner cant wait to try this fly this spring... learned alot I really apreciate it... Thanks Tim :)

[@TimCammisa]

Channing Watson You got it, Channing, and remember that we were all beginners @ one time. Be careful with bucktail because I'm unsure if it will float as well as deer body hair. Deer hair is hollow, thus why it's used in so many dry flies. If you have deer body hair (natural-colored), try tying some with that and then simply go over with a Sharpie marker. Good luck! Tim

[@TheChannning]

Thanks Tim I actually have access to dear hair ill try it.... Im subscribing I feel im a better fly tier. Thank you Tim.

[@TimCammisa]

Channing Watson You got it, Channing, and thanks for subscribing. Tying is a lot of fun, and it definitely takes time to be proficient. Good luck, and consider uploading a pattern to KZbin sometime. Tim

[@flyrodhiker8326]

That was absolutely awesome! Thank you for sharing sir!

[@TimCammisa]

You're welcome, and thanks for the kind words! Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for the comments, Sean. This is a really cool pattern and easy to crank out once you get the proportions down. Hope all is well! TC

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for the comments, Bjorn; the fish like these ants, too! TC

[@patscnr]

I am going to the store asap and get some of that black hair. :)

[@TimCammisa]

Absolutely, Pat; these flies are simple and effective! Thanks for the comment. TC

[@TimCammisa]

You're welcome, Len; thanks for viewing. TC

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks, Samuel; I appreciate the comment. TC

[@seanmooney3907]

Hey Tim, that looks like belly hair. I am thinking that a good primo deer hair would work. I know primo can be expensive, but when you consider how much more hair you get on a primo strip it is cheaper for each fly. I got a strip with nice long hair fibers. Makes great floating ants in black. The cinnamon strip is not so good a fiber length. All the best and thanks for the good conversation. Sean

[@TimCammisa]

+Sean Mooney As always, Sean, great comment and a perfect recommendation. Quality deer hair can be difficult to find, at times (especially in dyed colors), and I am always on the lookout for more! Are there any places you've bought from that you would recommend? Tim

[@seanmooney3907]

I usually call caddisflyshop.com and tell them what I need the hair for and they send me excellent hair. I don't have any fly shops close to me and I have a relationship with the owner now and I have never been disappointed in what they have sent me. Look them up. All the best, Sean

[@TimCammisa]

+Sean Mooney I've used them, and they are a good online retailer...

[@seanmooney3907]

They will pick materials they would pick for themselves, and will tell you if you need to wait for the next order. I have never been disappointed. Mention me and say I sent you. I know I have a good name, it may get you better materials or a discount. either have happened. All the best, Sean

[@TimCammisa]

+Sean Mooney Now that doesn't surprise me one bit! ;-)

[@troymintz1101]

That Was AWESOME !!!

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks, Troy, and I hope to hear more from you on my other videos. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@PRACERZ]

Very cool, thank you !

[@TimCammisa]

+PRACERZ You're welcome, and thanks for the kind words. TC

[@stgflt]

Very nice! Thanks.

[@norawydarkness]

Hey Tim, I did not have any black deer hair on hand, so I decided to use regular hair and use a black marker on it (I have colored other flies black and they seem to work). Do you think it will catch? Best regards from Norway!

[@TimCammisa]

For starters, very cool that you're in Norway, norawydarkness ! To answer your question, yes, coloring the materials with a permanent marker will work fine. The best advice for that is to ensure you color the underside of the hair (the side that is most visible to the fish). It's actually a great idea because you could always leave the top a lighter shade, making the pattern easier to see on the water. Thanks for the comment. Tim

[@redneckhippie3602]

What about red for fire ants or a red and black combo or even of the wall colors like pink,blue,white,green yellow (seen ant in yellow )or orange seen 1 in orange also. Is it w0rth a shot or just a big waste of time to try the odd color's

[@TimCammisa]

Redneck Hippie Great thoughts, and I'll never tell someone it's a waste of time. I primarily fish a black ant, and have cinnamon ones in my box, too. I've honestly never tried too many other colors, but it may be a smart idea to tie a few in a fluorescent color so you can see it on the water, especially in small sizes. If you do tie some of these, be sure to let me know how they produce. Thanks for the comment, and the idea... TC

[@russelllieser4226]

Sweet ant

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks, Russell! Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@justinaldrich692]

Love it.

[@TimCammisa]

Fly Tying with Justin Aldrich. Thanks, Justin! TC

[@rkierner]

Hey Tim, I'm using a size 12 hook and i feel like I have the right amount of deer hair and I create the segments and 3 legs on either side and it looks pretty good (not awesome) but after I finish, I toss it in a bowl of water and it goes straight to the bottom. What am I doing wrong? The deer hair I'm using is Deer Body Hair from simplysuperfly.com. I'm using a black 140 thread.

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for the comment, Rick, and tough to say exactly what the issue is without me seeing the pattern. My guess would be the deer hair that you're using is absorbing too much water and allowing the fly to sink. I prefer to use black deer hair that is also used for comparaduns (though some of the hollow hair found closer to the belly is applicable for this pattern, too). The only other area I would focus on is the hook; is it a light- or standard-wire hook? I hope this helps; let me know if you figure it out. Tim

[@KenRadManRaddon]

Saaaaweeeeet pattern!

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks, Ken...the fish seem to like it, too! TC

[@lenlevasseur1355]

Thank you for sharing:-)

[@deecoyx]

genius, thank you man....:-)

[@TimCammisa]

You're welcome, Tor; I am always happy to share great patterns that I come across. This is one of the best ant imitations, in my opinion, and we have to thank George Harvey for its creation; good luck with it! TC

[@josegutierrez-wu4kk]

Where do you purchase your deer hair

[@TimCammisa]

Jose, it varies, as I will buy it anytime I see quality deer hair in person. Online, I recommend Blue Ribbon Flies, as they sell excellent material. Locally in Pennsylvania, I've been purchasing some from Alsdorf Genetic, and have liked it a lot. Let me know where you purchase some from, and the quality. TC

[@caniaccharlie]

The SJW of terrestrials! I need to tie up a few of these, I'm thinking panfish will eat these up too!

[@TimCammisa]

+Charlie Wilson Ha ha, Charlie; I've never heard anyone abbreviate the worm as SJW! ;-)