Black Gnat
The Black Gnat is a traditional pattern used to imitate small dark insects such as gnats, midges, black flies, and other tiny terrestrials. Both dry-fly and wet-fly versions exist, making it useful when fish are feeding at the surface or just below it. The dry version is best fished with a drag-free drift in slower water, along current seams, or beneath overhanging vegetation, while the wet version can be swung or allowed to rise near the end of the drift. Black Gnats are commonly tied in sizes 16 through 20, although larger and smaller versions can be effective depending on the insects present. Its simple construction and broad usefulness make it a dependable pattern for trout, grayling, and panfish.
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Recipe
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Hook · Standard dry fly hook
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Thread · Black
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Tail · Black hackle fibers
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Body · Dyed black rabbit fur
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Wing · Grey duck quills
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Hackle · Natural or dyed black hackle fibers
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Wing · Grey duck quills