Griffith's Gnat
The midge cluster pattern that saves the day on flat water.
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.
History & Lore
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.
Variations
Hi-Vis Griffith's Gnat
Orange or pink thread head for visibility on the water.
CDC Griffith's Gnat
CDC fibers mixed with peacock herl for enhanced floatation.
How to Fish It
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.
When to Use
During midge hatches, particularly on calm water. Essential on winter tailwaters and spring creeks when midges are the only game in town.
Materials
- Hook
- TMC 101, #18-24, dry fly
- Thread
- Uni 10/0, black
- Body
- Peacock herl, 2-3 strands
- Hackle
- Grizzly dry fly hackle, undersized, palmered
Tying Video
Tying Steps
Start thread on a #18-24 dry fly hook and wrap to the bend.
💡 Use the finest thread available for small sizes — 10/0 or 12/0.
Tie in a grizzly hackle by the tip at the bend.
💡 Select an undersized hackle — slightly smaller than normal for the hook.
Tie in 2-3 strands of peacock herl at the bend.
💡 Twist the herl into a rope for durability.
Wrap the peacock herl forward to form the body, stopping just behind the eye.
💡 A full, slightly rough body is ideal.
Palmer the grizzly hackle forward over the body in 4-5 open turns. Secure and trim at the eye.
💡 Sparse palmering is key — too much hackle and it won't sit in the film correctly.
Build a tiny thread head, whip finish, and cement.
💡 The finished fly should look like a tiny piece of lint — that's perfect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size Griffith's Gnat should I use?
The Griffith's Gnat is most commonly tied in sizes 18–24. During midge hatches, particularly on calm water. Essential on winter tailwaters and spring creeks when midges are the only game in town.
What does a Griffith's Gnat imitate?
The Griffith's Gnat primarily imitates midge clusters, midge adults, Chironomid clusters. 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 midg
What materials do I need to tie a Griffith's Gnat?
Key materials include: Hook, Thread, Body, Hackle. Palmer a grizzly hackle over a peacock herl body — one of the simplest and most effective dry fly de
How do you fish a Griffith's Gnat?
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.
Pattern Details
- Category
- Dry Flies
- Sizes
- 18–24
- Colors
- Black/Peacock, Olive/Peacock
- Hook Styles
- Standard dry fly, 1x fine wire
- Imitates
- midge clusters, midge adults, Chironomid clusters
- Water Types
- tailwater, spring creek, lake
- Origin
- George Griffith, Michigan
Target Species
Pattern Details
- Category
- Dry Flies
- Sizes
- 18–24
- Colors
- Black/Peacock, Olive/Peacock
- Hook Styles
- Standard dry fly, 1x fine wire
- Imitates
- midge clusters, midge adults, Chironomid clusters
- Water Types
- tailwater, spring creek, lake
- Origin
- George Griffith, Michigan