Umpqua Bionic Ant 2.0 Egan Fly

Overview

The Bionic Ant 2.0 is Lance Egan's update of his original Bionic Ant. Version 2.0 adds a white wing for extra visibility and larger legs for a better silhouette.

Ants are on the water from spring through fall, and trout eat them readily. This fly floats well enough to carry a dropper, and it is just as good fished alone along the bank. The lineup covers small to medium terrestrials.

How to Fish It

• Bank drifts: drift it tight to banks, grass and overhanging brush.
• Dry-dropper: hang a small nymph 12 to 24 inches below.
• Flat water: use a long leader and 5X or 6X for picky fish.
• Afternoons: warm, windy afternoons put the most ants on the water.

Choosing Color and Size

Black and Brown are the imitative colors that match most natural ants. Purple is an attractor version for when fish are looking up but not keyed on one food.

Sizes 10 and 12 carry droppers and imitate big carpenter ants; 14 and 16 match smaller ants and wary fish.