Fly of the Month

By:

Luke Varner

Mechanicsburg Fly Fishing Club Advisor

Family Tyes Member

The fly of the month that I have selected is the Griffith’s Gnat.  I typically use two variations of this dry fly – the original Griffith’s Gnat and the Hi Vis Griffith’s Gnat.  The number one reason I enjoy using these simple patterns is that they have the potential to fool a large number of trout throughout our state.

 

High Vis in Pink

 

Typical Griffith's Gnat of size 20 hook

I also enjoy using these two variations of the Griffith’s Gnat because this fly seems to imitate a variety of aquatic insects such as small midges and tricos.  Jason Minnich, Matt Winton, Nathan Einsig, and I (Mechanicsburg Fly Fishing Club Advisors)  were fishing at the Yellow Breeches the morning of September 17^th and there were a significant number of trico spinners landing on the stream.  For about 45 minutes, the fish were extremely active, and found both the standard and Hi-Vis Griffith’s Gnat to be a suitable imitation of the tricos that were on the water.  I also, found these patterns to be effective from the last week of August through the second week of September as they helped me land a considerable number of trout at both Clark’s Creek and Neshannock Creek.

Finally, I enjoy using these patterns when trout are rising, but no flies can be seen near the stream (very small insects hatching).  When this situation occurs, I will use a size 20 or 22 Griffith’s Gnat.  The Hi Vis Griffith’s Gnat can also be used as an indicator when fishing very small emergers or light nymphs.  Often times, I will tie a “dropper” nymph or midge 2 – 3 feet behind the Hi Vis, and fish will often be caught on the Hi Vis Gnat that is being used as a strike indicator. 

Materials:

1)      Thread: Black #8/0

2)      Hook: Size 16 – 22 dry fly

3)      Body: 3 – 4 strands of peacock herl

4)      Hackle: Dry fly grizzly colored hackle (sized appropriately)

5)      **Hi Vis – Orange, Green, or Pink yarn**

Tying Steps:

1)  Cover hook shank with thread, starting at the eye and working back to the bend.

2)  Tie in peacock herl in at the hook bend.

3)  Tie in hackle at the hook bend.

4)  **If tying Hi-Vis pattern, tie in yarn “parachute style” ¾ of the way up the hook shank.**

5)  Advance thread to hook eye.

6)  Wrap peacock herl up to hook eye.

7)  Palmer hackle up to hook eye.

8)  Whip finish head and cement if necessary.