Description
The Griffith Gnat is a terrestrial dry fly designed to imitate a cluster of midges on the surface of the water. Its simple design of a peacock herl body and palmered grizzly hackle perfectly mimics the look and shape of midges grouped together, which is often a preferred meal for a trout over a single insect.
Best Suited For: This is a fantastic fly for trout (especially rainbow, brown, and brook trout), as well as grayling. It is most effective when fish are "sipping" or "porpoising," a sign that they are actively feeding on small insects on or just below the surface.
Best Time to Fish: Midges are a year-round food source, but they are particularly prolific during cooler weather, making the Griffith Gnat very effective in early spring, late autumn, and even throughout the winter. It is a top choice on calm, overcast days, and can be fished successfully at any time of day when a midge hatch is occurring.
Water Type: This is a freshwater fly.
Where to Fish: The Griffith Gnat excels on slow-moving rivers, spring creeks, and stillwaters where midges tend to hatch in large numbers. It is best fished in slow currents, eddies, and slick pools where the fly can drift naturally.
Other Value: Because of its small size, it is a great "finesse" fly for when fish are being very selective and refusing larger patterns. When using it, you should use a very fine tippet to ensure a natural, drag-free drift. While it imitates a midge cluster, it can also be used as a general "attractor" fly when no specific hatch is occurring.