Description
Fly Type: This is a subsurface crustacean/nymph imitation and attractor pattern. The name "Gritter Bug" refers to its buggy, lifelike profile with added glitter, while the tan color makes it a versatile, realistic pattern.
Best Suited For: An excellent fly for targeting a wide range of fish that feed on small aquatic invertebrates. It is a go-to pattern for trout, grayling, perch, and sea trout.
Best Time to Fish: This fly is effective year-round. The tan color is particularly productive in clear water and over sandy or light-colored bottoms, as it provides a realistic imitation with an added visual trigger from the glitter.
Water Type: A versatile fly for both freshwater (lakes, rivers) and saltwater (flats, estuaries).
Best Location: The Gritter Bug Tan works best in areas with a sandy or rocky bottom, where small bugs and invertebrates are a primary food source. It should be fished on or near the bottom.
Other Value: The key to this fly's success is its combination of a realistic profile and a strong visual trigger. The fly is tied with a buggy, hunched-over profile, which is a perfect imitation of a scuttling invertebrate. The glitter provides a subtle flash and sparkle that can provoke a strike from a wary fish. The best way to fish it is with a slow, jerky retrieve to mimic a scuttling bug, or a dead drift to imitate one being carried by the current.