Fly Tying - The Chernobyl Ant Terrestrial with Matt O'Neal

An easy to tie terrestrial pattern, that is a killer in the warmer months. Similar to the Chernobyl Hoppers, just a bit smaller and all black.
Hook: #10-14 dry fly or curved terrestrial
Thread: Black 8/0
Underbody: Black flash tinsel or estaz
Overbody: 2mm black foam
Indicator: White wool (or foam)
This is my first fly in a 2020 terrestrial series of my 10 favorite patterns.
Savage Flies is a new project (named after one of my homewaters, the Savage River in Western Maryland, US). I hope to post 2-3 videos a week while continuing my own learning of the craft of fly tying. I've been trout fishing for many years but have only been tying for the last couple and am learning more every week. If you have any pointers on techniques that would help, I would love to hear them in the comments.
Thanks for checking out the video. I hope you'll consider subscribing.

[@SavageFlies]

I have seen a few other tiers make this with only three body segments (like a true ant), and some will use a bright color foam tag for the indicator. I tied this one with both a yarn and foam indicator and think the yarn looks just a bit better.

[@SavageFlies]

Or does it? The world may never know...

[@SavageFlies]

Yes it does. And why do you keep responding to your own comments? No one else is commenting on this video.

[@martyrothman3933]

Thanks again Matt

[@jeffreystone7327]

Wow! That’s a change up. But pretty darn cool. Looks like it would be fun to tie. I would think it would be pretty versatile as well, species wise? Already have the foam safe glue on hand, use it on the RC planes. Enjoyed the completely new style of fly. Great video. Thanks Matt.

[@kenb4685]

Gidday Matt. Nice to be able to dig back into the archives. Great video. Thanks.

[@StuffyToaster]

I've been wanting to try tying with foam for some time now when this video appeared in my feed. Could not think of a better place to start than here. I didn't have any white antron so instead used a bright orange. My son said he thought it looked more radioactive than white anyway and I can probably see it a bit better. Thanks for your work on these videos.

[@SavageFlies]

Ha! I think a "radioactive" pattern was the whole idea behind the Chernobyl Ant. :-)

[@martyrothman3933]

Imagine how big some of the trout are where the Chernobyl accident took place

[@SavageFlies]

You know that's why they named this the Chernobyl! I think there is a hopper too. :-)

[@martyrothman3933]

Thanks again Matt

[@SavageFlies]

My pleasure Marty! Thanks for watching, even these really old ones. :-)