classic Michigan dry fly · by 1939
Griffith's Gnat
Disputed origin Named for George Griffith; originator unknown.
History
The fly carries George Griffith's name, but who first tied it is not settled. Bob Summers, a Michigan rod builder and friend of Griffith's, has said Griffith told him he did not invent it. In that telling, a man named Walt Shaw showed Griffith the fly in 1939 and it became Griffith's favorite.
The Walt Shaw detail has not turned up in a primary source yet, so this page says only that the fly is named for Griffith and its originator is unknown.
Materials
| Hook | Dry, sizes 14 to 28 |
|---|---|
| Body | Peacock herl |
| Hackle | Grizzly dry hackle, palmered |
| Thread | Olive 6/0 to 8/0 |
Sources
- "Griffith's Gnat." Fly Fishing the Sierra.
- Viking Lars. "Griffith's Gnat." Sexyloops.
- Darkes, J. "Tie One On: Grayling, Michigan Style." Fly Tyer, 2022.
Know more about this fly's history, or spot a mistake? Send a correction.
No photo yet. Every photo on michfly is of a fly tied for the site, so they're added a few at a time.
Original recipe cards for many Michigan patterns are kept at the Michigan Dry Flies archive, built by the late Tom Deschaine.