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Jaayson Neiuwkirk

How to Tie Terrestrial Flies for Fly Fishing: A Detailed Guide

Updated: Sep 10

Terrestrial flies are designed to imitate land-based insects that fall into the water, becoming prime targets for fish. Here’s a step-by-step guide to tying some common terrestrial flies: ants, beetles, and grasshoppers.


Materials Needed

  • Hooks (size 12-18 for ants and beetles, size 8-12 for grasshoppers)

  • Thread (black, brown, or green)

  • Foam sheets (black, brown, yellow, and green)

  • Rubber legs

  • Dubbing material

  • Peacock herl

  • Hackle feathers


Ant Pattern

  1. Hook and Thread: Secure the hook in the vise and start the thread at the eye, wrapping it to the bend.

  2. Body: Cut a small strip of black foam and tie it at the bend, leaving a small tag for the rear end.

  3. Middle Segment: Add a small amount of black dubbing to the thread and wrap it to form the middle segment.

  4. Front Segment: Pull the foam forward over the middle segment and tie it down to form the head. Trim the excess foam.

  5. Legs: Tie in two rubber legs on each side of the middle segment.

  6. Finish: Whip finish and apply head cement.



Beetle Pattern

  1. Hook and Thread: Secure the hook and start the thread at the eye, wrapping it to the bend.

  2. Body: Cut a strip of black or brown foam and tie it at the bend, extending over the hook shank.

  3. Underbody: Dub the thread with peacock herl and wrap it to form the underbody.

  4. Wing Case: Fold the foam forward over the underbody and tie it down at the head.

  5. Legs: Attach rubber legs on each side.

  6. Finish: Whip finish and apply head cement.


Grasshopper Pattern

  1. Hook and Thread: Secure the hook and start the thread at the eye, wrapping it to the bend.

  2. Body: Cut a strip of yellow or green foam and tie it at the bend, leaving a tag for the rear end.

  3. Underbody: Dub the thread with green or yellow dubbing and wrap it to form the underbody.

  4. Wing Case: Fold the foam forward over the underbody and tie it down at the head.

  5. Legs: Attach rubber legs on each side.

  6. Head: Tie in a hackle feather at the head and wrap it forward to create a bushy appearance.

  7. Finish: Whip finish and apply head cement.


Terrestrial flies are essential for fly fishing, especially during the summer months when land-based insects are abundant. By following these steps, you can tie effective ant, beetle, and grasshopper patterns that will attract fish and enhance your fishing experience

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