Black Gnat Fly

Black Gnat

A classic black dry fly pattern that's a must have for every angler's trout fishing fly box.

How it's tied

The Black Gnat is a simple and effective fly pattern, tied using a short shank hook, black thread, and only a few materials. The body is typically formed from black dubbing or floss, wrapped around the hook shank to create a slender profile. The tail is made from hackle fibers or other fine materials, while the wing is formed from white or gray hackle tips or synthetic fibers. A palmered black hackle is added along the body, providing both movement and flotation.

What it mimics

The Black Gnat is designed to imitate small black insects, such as midges, gnats, and black flies, which are common food sources for trout, grayling, and other fish species. Its simple profile and contrasting wing make it an effective and easily visible imitation.

Where it's used

The Black Gnat is adaptable and can be used in various water types, including rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds. It is particularly effective during periods when fish are feeding on small black insects, either on the water's surface or in the surface film. In other words: this is really one to match the hatch. When there are not black insects around it's often not worth it to bother. When there are: this fly will be very effective hence this being a must have for your trout fly box. To fish the Black Gnat effectively, present it gently on the water's surface and allow it to drift naturally with the current.

Fly tying video for the Black Gnat

Empty spots in your fly box? Check out The Boutique.

Share the link to this fly

Save this fly in your favorites

Fish you can can fly fish for with the Black Gnat

Brook trout

Brown Trout

Cutthroat Trout

Golden Trout

Grayling

Marble Trout

Rainbow Trout

Roach

Steelhead

Grow your fly fishing passion

Get info based on the rods your own
Save your favorite flies, fish, locations and more
Explore fish, flies, insects, locations, countries and more

Run by fly fishers and completely free!

Create account

Other flies

Adams

Alexandra

Ant

Biscuit Pattern

Bloodworm

Blue Damsel

Blue Winged Olive

Brassie

Bread fly

Brown Drake Nymph

Bumblebee

Bunny Leech

Butcher

Buzzer

Caddis Fly

Caddis Poopah

Captain Crunch

Carnage Attractor

CDC

Chernobyl Ant

Clod Hopper

Clouser Minnow

Copper John

Crab Pattern

Crackleback

Czech Nymph

Czechmate

Daddy Long Legs

Damsel Nymph

Diawl Bach

Elk Hair Caddis

EP Streamer

View all flies

Your cart

Please create an account

You need a free FlyFish Circle account to shop in the Boutique. This makes the shopping experience better and safer both for you and the fly tyers that you purchase from.

Create an account

Already have an account? Log in here.

The FlyFish Circle Boutique

Fill you fly box with unique, high quality flies tied by independent fly tyers.

Visit the Boutique

Order summary