WHY THE GRIFFITH’S GNAT IS SO GREAT

One of the most interesting topics in fly fishing is why a particular species works so well. The Griffiths Gnat is a buggy-looking imitation of a black or egg-laying fly. Originally designed to imitate a group of black or egg-laying flies, it has evolved to cover a wider range of trout food.

The main reason why the Griffiths Gnat is so great is that it rides in water film, which is similar to a hatchling larva. Its heavily hackled body also makes it incredibly deadly. In my opinion, most dries are too big for this fly. The Griffiths Gnat, on the other hand, is a small pattern that's typically around size #16 or 18.

The Woolly Bugger is a deadly fly, but the Griffith Gnat is actually just a buggy-looking imitation.

A LITTLE HISTORY ON THE GRIFFITH’S GNAT

The original idea for the Griffiths Gnat came from George Griffith. He was a founding member of the organization TROUT UNLIMITED, which works to protect the environment.

The goal of the Griffiths Gnat is to imitate a micro-midge cluster or adult fly. It can be used during slow moving water and is great for fishing when the classic BWO doesn't work.

One of the most effective midge patterns that you can use is the Griffith’s Gnat. If you want to learn more about this fly, read this article.

One of the biggest issues that I have with using the Griffiths Gnat is that I often struggle to see the bloody thing. This is typically caused by the combination of the small and large visual flies. To solve this issue, George suggested that I fish the pattern with a bigger, more visual fly. This is typically the way I catch many of my micro soft hackles.

A simple rig consisting of a truck and trailer style is all that's needed to get the job done.

WHAT FISH DOES A GRIFFITHS GNAT CATCH?

George Griffith designed the Griffiths Gnat fly pattern for trout fishing. His home area was known for its beautiful trout.

Although a cluster of small insects or a similar imitation is suggested, I believe that a small ant or beetle could also be used as an alternative. This makes the Griffiths Gnat a deadly pattern.

HOW TO SETUP FOR A GRIFFITHS GNAT?

The modern fly rod can do many things in fly fishing. For most entry-level anglers, a single fly rod is their only choice when it comes to small streams. With that in mind, you can use any type of setup that you want.

A floating line is required to cast the Griffiths Gnat or any dry fly. The leader length should be long enough to allow you to consistently cast and fish well. Important to note is that you have to be completely in control of your flies throughout the drift. Just remember that if you have drag in the water, your flies will not eat.

One of the most important factors that you should consider when it comes to choosing a tippet is the size that you are comfortable with. If you are not used to fighting fish on tippets, then a 7X tippet is not a good choice.

Anything from a 5X to 7X tippet size will be fine when fishing the Griffiths Gnat.

One of the most important factors that you should consider when it comes to choosing a tippet is the size that you are comfortable with. It's also important to understand the fish's feeding habits.

WHAT DOES THE GRIFFITHS GNAT REPRESENT

Initially, the Griffiths Gnat was tied to imitate a cluster of small insects or a few large ones. I believe that this pattern could represent a whole lot more. A small bug or beetle could also be used as an alternative. As long as the trout eat the Griffiths Gnat, I don't mind if it represents anything.

GRIFFITHS GNAT, FAVORITE SIZE AND COLOR

The size of the Griffiths Gnat that you should use is also important to determine when it comes to fishing it. I usually use a #16 and a smaller. This is the size that I prefer to use when fishing the pattern in my local waters.

The size of the Griffiths Gnat can make it hard to see if you are fishing it on the drift. This is why it's best to use a truck and trail method when fishing this fly pattern.

HOW TO TIE GRIFFITHS GNAT

The simple and effective Griffiths Gnat fly pattern is very simple to tie. It's important to ensure that the hackle fibers are long enough.

1.Secure hook in the vise.

2.Tie in a level thread base, ending at the hook bend.

3.Tie in the hackle, thickest base first, concave of the feather facing away from you.

4.Tie in the two strands of hackle for the smaller flies, and tie in the tips for a smaller profile.

5.Wrap thread forward until behind hook eye.

6.Wrap peacock hurls forward.

7.Wrap the hackle forward, creating a segmented body.

8.Tie off and whip finish.

I don’t use head cement on any of my dries. This is entirely up to you.

The Guide Pro Tip for using the Griffiths Gnat is to keep the drifts drag-free and fish it with a sighter fly. This article will teach you more about drag-free drifts.

Although this method is simple, if you would like to learn more about how to fish with a grasshopper pattern, this article is for you.

ONE LAST CAST WITH THE GRIFFITHS GNAT

Despite the advancements that have occurred in the field of fly tying, one often forgets about the past. This is why it's important to keep in mind the various techniques and patterns that were used back then.

As much as I would like to learn new things, sometimes it's also important to try and catch what we did years ago in order to improve our skills.

One of the most effective and relevant fly patterns that you can use right now is the Griffiths Gnat. If you haven't got any in your dry box, get it now.

Article refer:
1.Choosing the Best Fly Fishing Flies
2.Fly Fishing with Ant Patterns (Setup, Flies and More)
3.Complete Guide to Fly Fishing with the Elk Hair Caddis
4.Complete Guide to Fly Fishing with the Beaded Caddis Nymph
5.Fly Fish for Bass with Poppers
6.Complete Guide to Fly Fishing with the Zebra Midge (Simple to Tie)
7.Complete Guide to Fishing and Tying the Griffith's Gnat
8.15 Best Flies for Cutthroat Trout (These Flies Work!)
9.Aquatic Fly Fishing Insects
10.Fly Fishing Starter Flies