In this week’s “How to Tie†video feature, Charlie Craven with Charlie’s Fly Box ties a midge dry fly that every winter angler should have in their box, Griffith’s Gnat.
Learn About This Fly:
Difficulty: Easy
When temperatures drop and fish become lethargic, nymphs will often produce at a more consistent rate than their dry and streamer counterparts. There is no doubt that this can become monotonous and for the sake of your own mental health, can be smart to change it up. Eventually, the trout will look up during the winter to feed on adult midges and this opportunity presents some very exciting technical winter dry fly fishing. Griffith’s Gnat is a small midge dry imitation that winter anglers have relied on for years and should certainly be in your box this season.
Tying this fly is relatively easy and attainable by anyone on the vise with a little practice. The body itself is created by wrapping peacock eyes and hackle onto the hook shank, which is a great technique to learn for novice tyers. Sizes between 18-22 will be the most practical for this pattern, as midges at any stage of life are very small. Make sure you tie a batch of Griffith’s Gnats in several different sizes, as winter trout are notoriously picky both on top and subsurface.
Whether in Montana or Massachusetts, midges will be on every trout’s menu this season. Coming prepared to the water with a nymph and dry setup may be wise, as rerigging with cold hands can be time-consuming and frustrating for some. If you have the ability to safely get on the water this winter, I highly recommend it, as it offers some technical yet satisfying situations. Tying a batch of Griffith’s Gnats is a great way to pass the time on frigid days and will surely prepare you for a spontaneous midge hatch on the water soon.
Ingredients:
- Hook: 18-22 Tiemco 100SP-BLÂ
- Thread: Black 8/0 UNIÂ
- Body: Peacock EyesÂ
- Hackle: Whiting Grizzly Saddle or Neck Feather
Now you know how to tie Griffth’s Gnat!
Video and ingredients courtesy of the Charlie’s Fly Box.
