Fly fishing is one of the most popular ways to fish in the country, and if you're getting started in this exciting hobby, you need to stock up on accessories. There is a wide variety of fly fishing gear you need, such as a reliable fishing rod and some fishing line, but the fly you use is probably the most important. Fishing flies are designed to mimic small bugs on the surface of the water to attract fish, like trout, salmon, grayling, pike, and perch, and they are often made up of feathers and strings. If you're curious about fishing flies, here is what you need to know.
There are many different flies you can use depending on the fish you are trying to catch, but to keep it simple we will talk about the three most commonly used for catching trout. Nymphing flies are the first main type, which are often known as beginner flies because they can introduce people to the hobby. Nymphs resemble the immature stages of insects that thrive around water, so they're very popular for fish. Floating dry flies are particular types of flies that look like groups of insects floating on the surface, known as a hatch. These are hard to self tie but extremely popular among experienced anglers. Finally, the easiest type of flies are streamers, which immitate minnows or leeches, attracting predatory fish.
The best fly depends on the conditions in which you are fishing, the water, and the fish you want to catch. For example, if you're going fly fishing for pike, you'll want a fly that resembles the local fish they feed on, as this increases your odds. Additionally, look around the water where you're going fishing. If there are lots of feeding fish near the surface, that means insects are plentiful, so you'll need a hatch or nymph to increase your odds.
The difference is simply how the fly travels after you cast. A wet fly travels beneath the water, making it wet, while a dry fly stays on the surface. Choosing the right one depends on the fish you're trying to catch, so do some research before heading out to the river.
Before your next trip out on the water, make sure you stock up on fishing flies and fly fishing supplies! We have tons of fishing flies from top brands, including Perfect Hatch Flies, Umpqua Flies, Pistol Pete Flies.