Bodkin / Patterns

Black Gnat Wet Fly

Wet Fly · Trout · Intermediate · 1 version

Reference Recipe

• Hook 1x-long wet-fly hook, 12-16
• Thread Black 8/0

Materials

• Body Black ostrich herl (Black dubbing or black chenille, slim)
• Hackle Black hackle (Soft black hen hackle)
• Wing Gray flotation (Paired gray mallard quill slips)

How to tie it

1. Mount the hook and start thread, running it back to above the barb.
2. Dub or wrap a slim black body forward to the 75% mark.
3. Tie in a soft black hen hackle and take 2-3 turns, then sweep the fibers down and back as a beard.
4. Cut two matching gray quill slips, marry them shiny sides out, and set them low over the body as a tent wing reaching to the bend.
5. Bind the wing down with pinch wraps, trim the butts, and build a small head.
6. Whip finish and cement.

Tying videos

• Black Gnat Wet Fly — The feather bender (YouTube)
• Black Gnat Wet Fly — hughs fly tying and fishing (YouTube)
• Black Gnat Wet Fly — Hubert Janeczek (YouTube)

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