Anglers use the term Black Gnat to describe a number of flat winged flies. These flies fall or get blown on to the water and trout are very partial to them.

WET FLY PATTERNS. Hook size 12 14 - $US each

Anglers use the term Black Gnat to describe a number of flat winged flies, but the Common Gnat belongs to the Culcidae insect group. It is strange to note that this fly's body is not black at all. The female has a dark olive brown body. The male is darker still and as near black as to make no difference. These flies fall or get blown on to the water and trout are very partial to them. The Black Gnat is a pattern worth trying near the reedy margins of lakes. Gnats are prolific from late Spring till the end of the trout fishing season. They are bred on the land but spend the best part of their lives in the vicinity of ponds, streams and lakes. They may be seen in dense clouds over the water and fish will be rising madly to take their fill. At times like this a gnat pattern fished dry or wet will bring results. There are numerous dressings of the original black gnat pattern.

The Black Gnat wet fly is particularly productive when fished on a middle dropper as part of a team of three flies. Tie on a heavy fly as the point fly so casting is easier. Cast them up stream and let the flies dead drift over the location you believe the trout are lurking. Remember your fly is imitating a drowned crippled dun black gnat or spinner. It is dead and will not move. The body of the natural insect will just float with the water current. That is what your want to imitate. Your will spook the fish if they see a dead insect suddenly come to life, gain super powers and start swimming against the current. To stop your line causing unnatural ripples always keep an eye on the amount you have out. Always have some slack, but not too much as that will cause problems when you want to set the hook.  Wait until your team of flies have past the pool or feeding zone before retrieving them.

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