Hook. 0—2, new size.
Black Gnat (Bibio johannis, Linn.).
The black Gnat is found on almost all waters. It is extremely numerous in some places, and is taken very readily by the trout.
These flies are not really Gnats; but as they are commonly called Gnats by the fishermen, I have kept to the old name.
Bibio johannis comes out in June. The body is black in both the male and female, the wings in the male are almost colourless, while the wings of the female are dark. The head of the male is also larger than the head of the female. Both the male and female have a dark oval-shaped patch about the middle of the anterior margin of the front wing.
Both these flies are taken greedily by the trout when they fall upon the water.
I have found the following dressing the best:—
Body. Peacock quill dyed black, or black silk.
Hackle. Cock starling’s hackle, stripped on one side.
Wings. (Male) From most transparent part of quill feather of starling. (Female) From brown tipped starling’s tail feather.