Edmunds Outfitters - Fly of the Month - November 2025

Griffith’s Gnat

Griffith’s Gnat is a small midge dry imitation that I have used in the winter for years and it should certainly be in your box this season.  In early March, and during occasional warm stretches in November, January and February, water temperatures can climb just enough to produce a hatch.

The Griffiths Gnat was originally designed to imitate a cluster of hatching midge larva or black flies. It rides midway in water film, much like a hatching midge or black fly larva would. The soft hackled body is what does the trick. The pattern should be size #16 or #18.

The biggest challenge when using the Griffith Gnat is seeing it on the water.  So, I tend to use a small indicator or use it as a dropper off a more visual fly like an Elk Caddis. 

I fish Griffith Gnats on a dead drift. I typically use a longer leader and smaller tippet, usually 6X.  It is important to remember you need to be in full control of the flies throughout the drift. There needs to be little to no drag induced in the drift.  If your fly has drag through the drift, the fish won’t eat it.