dry
Griffith's Gnat
Griffith's Gnat is the most important midge dry fly pattern in existence. Its peacock herl body and palmered grizzly hackle create a buggy silhouette that imitates a cluster of midges trapped in the surface film. When trout are rising to invisible insects on glassy water, this tiny fly is often the key to cracking the code.
Originated by George Griffith, Michigan
Recipe
- HookMidge/dry hook (TMC 100) · Tiemco
- ThreadBlack tying thread 8/0 or 70 denier · Semperfli
- BodyPeacock herl
- HackleGrizzly dry-fly hackle
History
George Griffith, a co-founder of Trout Unlimited, developed this pattern in Michigan. Its enduring effectiveness lies in its simplicity and ability to imitate midge clusters rather than individual midges — matching how trout actually feed during midge activity.
Tying overview
Palmer a grizzly hackle over a peacock herl body — one of the simplest and most effective dry fly designs ever conceived.
Fishing tips
Present the Griffith's Gnat dead drift in the film during midge activity. Fish it in sizes #20-24 on tailwaters and spring creeks where trout sip midges from the surface. Apply floatant sparingly to let it sit IN the film, not on top of it.