Fly fishing differs significantly from other forms of fishing. One of the primary distinguishing factors is the use of flies rather than live bait. Flies are made to resemble small bugs eaten by certain species of fish, and can be purchased or even made by hand. Knowing which flies to use -- and when to use them -- is a key factor in successful fly fishing.
Dry Flies
Dry fly fishing is the most common type of fly fishing, according to Beginners Fly Fishing. Dry flies are made to resemble common bugs that float on top of the water. Once the line is cast, the fly floats on top of the water, hopefully attracting a bite. Dry flies correspond to a specific stage of insect development, which takes place after the nymph has grown wings. Avid fly fishermen will observe which kinds of flies are present, and use flies that mimic the highest populations. According to Fly Fishing Nets, summer evenings are the best time to use dry flies, although they can be used throughout the warmer months of the year. Examples of dry flies include the light and dark cahill, black midge, elk hair caddis and Dave's hopper.
Nymphs
In nature, flies lay their eggs on the surface of the water, and the eggs hatch into nymphs. Fish rise to the surface and suck the nymphs beneath the surface of the water for an easy dinner. Unlike fly larvae, nymphs actually resemble flies, and often have small wings. However, they are still in the underwater stage of development, so the flies rest slightly beneath the water surface when they are cast. Nymph fishing is often a successful alternative to dry fly fishing if the fish are not rising to the surface. Trout are particularly attracted to nymphs. Commonly used nymphs include gold ribbed hare's ear, gray nymph, zug bug, beaver and pheasant tail.
Streamers
Streamers are larger than most other flies, and are most frequently used to catch large predatory fish. They may be made of bright, bushy materials and are often much longer than other flies. They are usually used in lakes or rivers, where they are cast almost to the bottom. According to Fly Fishing Nets, streamers often attract very aggressive bites and are essentially imitation baitfish. Commonly used streamers include the woolly bugger, marabou leech, muddler minnow and matuka.
Wet Flies
As the name suggests, wet flies are completely submerged under the water. They may resemble dead bugs or insects that rise and fall out of the water. According to Fly Fishing Nets, wet fly fishing is one of the oldest fly fishing methods, although other techniques like nymph fishing are become more and more common. Some common examples of wet flies include the brown hackle peacock, gray hackle yellow, hare's ear, black ant and coachman. One wet fly, the woolly worm, has been used since the 16th century.
Member Comments