The Black Gnat

The Black Gnat, one of the most enduring classic fly patterns, traces its roots to 1496 when Dame Juliana Berners described it in her seminal work A Treatyse of Fysshynge wyth an Angle. This simple yet elegant fly was crafted to mimic the small, dark insects often found near water, appealing to trout and grayling. With its minimalist design and natural profile, the Black Gnat remains as effective today as it was over five centuries ago, serving as a testament to the timeless nature of traditional fly patterns. It is particularly well-suited for still waters and slow-moving streams, where subtle imitations of small terrestrial or aquatic insects are most effective.

Micro-Hatch Tactic: When trout are feeding on seemingly invisible insects, downsize the Black Gnat to a size 18 or 20. Its simplicity and subtle presentation can often crack the code during frustratingly selective feeding.