The original Chernobyl Ant was born on Utah’s Green River, and it has spawn many variations. One of the more popular versions is the Chubby Chernobyl, which adds more foam for flotation, as well as some wings made from highly visible and buoyant synthetic yarn. The result is a great pattern that imitates a wide range of meaty bugs and works well as the indicator fly in a tandem rig, with a nymph hanging below.
In this week’s excellent video, Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions Walks you through the process of tying one of these beefy bugs, using a methodical building-block approach that simplifies what looks to be a complex pattern. As always, watch these videos in 4K for maximum effect.
Hook: 3X-long nymph hook (here, a Dai-Riki #710), size 8.
Thread: Olive green, 6/0 or 140 denier.
Tail: Pearl Krystal Flash.
Underbody: Olive Craft Foam, 2mm.
Adhesive #1: Fly Tyers Z-Ment or superglue.
Body #1: Yellow olive rabbit-fur dubbing.
Overbody: Olive Fly Foam, 2mm.
Legs #1: Round rubber legs.
Wing #1: Gray McFlylon.
Body #2: Yellow olive rabbit-fur dubbing.
Legs #2: Round rubber legs.
Wing #2: Gray McFlylon.
Body #3: Yellow olive rabbit-fur dubbing.
Head: Tying thread.
Tools: Foam cutter, sharp scissors.
Note: Tie this pattern in a wide variety of color combinations.
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