You need an easy to tie and simple dry fly in your SuperFly Box. Most fly tiers are amateurs on their best day. Tying simple flies makes sense. Here is the simplest dry to tie.

A Griffiths Gnat will catch fish anywhere. You can make it in any size, color, or custom style based on your tying skills. You can tie it in just three steps.

Start with a bigger hook, when first tying this simple SuperFly. Let’s start with a size 10 dry fly hook. Wrap black thread onto the hook, using a bobbin. Secure a length of peacock herl and a sized Grizzly Hackle. Wrap the herl to the front and secure. Do the same with the hackle. A pair of hackle pliers will help, but if the hackle and herl are long enough, you can use your fingers. Trim off the excess hackle and herl and build/lacquer the head.

All fly tying is about using the same basic tools, materials, and steps. Repetition is key. I never tie less than 12 flies at a session. Clear the decks except for what you need. You will be amazed how quick your skills will improve. Focus on 6 SuperFlys and stock your boxes with different colors and sizes.

Now that you can tie, you can customize the tie. A friend from Pennsylvania made a Griffiths Gnat variant that he called the Grizzly Tit! He added either a red or chartreuse threaded butt and head. These were the Tits. The rest of the fly was the basic gnat. He fishes it wet and dry. I have watched him hammer trout and bass all day with this one fly.

You can also add a hi-vis indicator to the top of the fly. Green or white crystal flask is a great choice. These flies work great during caddis, trico, and Baetis hatches. Use them as the top fly, In a slightly larger size. Now add an accurate dropper. The terminal fly is often hard to see. Use the custom gnat to locate the area of your drift and set on any rise near it. You can also drop a small midge or emerger, from the Gnat and use it as a strike indicator. Fish will also attack this hairy fly just because.

Presentation is key! A fish will rise to a cigarette butt if it is presented properly. A natural drift and proper float are important. The fly must move at the exact same speed and location as the natural food.

Tie one on!

Montana Grant

For more Montana Grant, catch him tying at www.montanagrantfishing.com.