The Green Ant

The Green Ant was published in Trey Combs Steelhead Fly Fishing Book in 1991 and was originally developed for the Snake and Clearwater Rivers in Idaho.

When I first started my journey into steelhead fishing, one of my mentors told me I needed just three flies: The Green Ant, Deep Purple, and The Bloody Muddler. Over the years, I have taken those patterns and adopted them, and made small changes to make them mine. The Green Ant is still my go-to fly and has accounted for hundreds of steelhead over the years.

The size 5 is a great searching pattern, and tied on the smaller hook is a great comeback fly for when you feel that fishy pluck or pull of a noncommittal fish.

Green Ant

Hook: Silver Alec Jackson Steelhead Iron size 5 or 7
Thread: Black Uni 6/0
Tag: Medium Silver Tinsel
Butt: Ostrich Herl
Tail: Natural Pheasant Tippet
Body: Olive Uni Floss
Rib: Medium Silver Tinsel
Collar: Black Saddle Hackle
Wing: Natural Grey Squirrel Tail