The Tying Bench is our exciting series of family-friendly weekly on-line fly tying workshops and clinics! Each week we look at tying a different pattern - from classic trout flies to big bass bugs...and everything in between!
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Learn more about this week's fly (and the materials you'll need to tie it) at right. You'll find Zoom login details at the bottom of that column.
And I hope you'll check out our diverse and ever-growing line of fly tying kits and tying and fishing guides too. I'm sure you'll find something that you'll enjoy!
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Saturday, June 25, at 10 a.m. on Zoom
Tying the Griffith's Gnat
This week we tie a classic trout fly -- the time-honored Griffith's Gnat, an exceptionally effective and highly versatile dry that has proven its value far and wide!
The Griffith's Gnat was developed by George Griffith, one of the founders of Trout Unlimited. Depending on the size, it can imitate a cluster or midges or a single insect -- and with all that hackle, it floats well even on broken water.
I always have a few Griffith's Gnats in my box, and I'm betting you'll want to do the same!
(Please note that our Griffith's Gnat sets the stage for next week's fly, the Elk Hair Caddis, another exceptional trout pattern. Both of those flies are best tied with quality dry fly hackle, and if you would like to plan ahead, please note that Alpharetta Outfitters has Whiting "100 Packs" of dry fly hackle on their closeout table at a very good price. You might want to stop by the shop or give them a call and check these out.)
Materials:
Hook: Dry fly hook, size 12 or 14 or smaller (as small as size 22 or 24!) once you get the hang of the tying), regular or 1XL. When learning the pattern, I'd stick with 12 or 14.
Bead (optional...turns the fly into an effective subsurface pattern!): Silver or gold brass or tungsten bead suitable for the hook size you are using. Alternately, for a lighter-weight fly, use a clear, gold, green or red glass bead -- but (again) be aware of the size and don't go too big.
Use a 1XL nymph hook for tying the beadhead version.
Thread: 6/0 black (smaller for smaller versions).
Body: One or more strands of good-quality peacock herl
Hackle: Good-quality dry fly hackle, sized for the hook you're using. Most tyers prefer natural grizzly, but many, many different colors (even solids) can be used.