Black Gnat Red Tail

The Black Gnat Red Tail is a traditional wet or dry fly that imitates small, dark-bodied aquatic insects—such as midges, gnats, or small black mayflies—with the added attractor element of a bright red tail. The black body and hackle resemble the natural tones of many aquatic insects, while the red tail acts as a visual trigger for trout, suggesting either an emerging insect with a shuck or a spent midge with a flash of color. It is especially effective in stained or dark water where visibility is limited and trout rely on contrast and movement.

History:
The Black Gnat Red Tail is a variant of the classic Black Gnat, a fly pattern with origins in the 1800s. The addition of the red tail likely developed in the early to mid-20th century as fly tiers began experimenting with attractor elements to increase a fly’s visibility and trigger response strikes. Similar to the use of red tags or tails in other traditional patterns (like the Red Tag or Royal Coachman), the red tail adds an element of visual stimulation while preserving the effectiveness of the original Black Gnat’s profile. This version has remained a favorite in both wet and dry forms for anglers targeting trout and panfish, particularly when fish are feeding opportunistically.