When it comes to fly fishing, the fly itself is the ultimate bait. Different kinds of flies are used to catch different types of fish. But what distinguishes one fly from the other? How can you tell which fly is better suited for the fish you are trying to catch? Below are some of the most common types of flies used in fly fishing and how they differ from one another.
Dry Flies
Dry flies are the most traditional type of fly used in fly fishing. These flies are designed to mimic insects that sit on the surface of the water. They are lightweight and designed to float on the top of the water, making them the perfect bait for fish that feed on insects on the surface, such as trout or salmon. Dry flies are typically smaller in size, often the size of a pea. They come in different shapes and colors and are molded to look like the insect they mimic, so that fish can recognize them as prey.
Wet Flies
Wet flies are designed to imitate insects in a different way. When they are submerged in the water, they sink below the surface of the water, giving the illusion of an insect that has drowned or is swimming just beneath the surface. They are typically made of heavier materials and designed to sink gradually. This makes them ideal for catching fish that feed on insects within the water column, such as trout, salmon, and bass.
Nymphs
Nymphs are designed to imitate the underwater stage of an insect’s life cycle. They are typically tied to the leader with a weight and are designed to sink to the bottom of the water column. They come in a variety of sizes and colors and are designed to mimic different types of underwater insects. Nymphs are commonly used to catch fish like rainbow trout and brown trout.
Streamers
Streamers are designed to imitate small fish or other aquatic creatures that are swimming in the water column. These flies are typically larger and heavier than the other fly types and are designed to mimic the movement and coloration of their prey. Streamers can be tied with feathers, fur, or synthetic materials, and can be designed to mimic different types of fish, such as minnows, shad, or smallmouth bass.
Final thoughts
Different fly fishing flies have different functions, designs, and are intended to mimic different types of prey. It is important to know which kind of fly to use when fly fishing, as using the wrong type of fly can result in little to no bites. With this in mind, choose the right fly, so you’ll be more likely to have a successful fly fishing trip.