Quick Tie: The Foam Beetle

As we enter the heat of terrestrial season, I thought I’d share a recipe and some tips for tying the foam beetle. It’s a simple and effective terrestrial pattern that is extremely versatile. In smaller sizes, it can imitate small beetles and large ants, and in larger sizes it can imitate beetles and any other unfortunate insect that may fall in the creek. I find myself using a size 16 in many situations on the Cumberland Valley spring creeks. It’s my go to early summer terrestrial pattern and works well from mid-June through September. From my experience, the most effective time to fish the pattern is near overhanging brush on a relatively sunny and windy day. It is also a great prospecting pattern for brook trout or fish holding closer to the bank.