Fly Fishing: An Overview of the Different Kinds of Flies

Although fly tying came about as a practical way to deceive and catch large fish such as trout and salmon, it has become an art unto itself. Even a purely functional fly can be a thing of beauty for its colors and textures, while others are almost indistinguishable from real insects and aquatic creatures. The latter are usually collected for display, never to be used.

There are different kinds of flies meant to attract different kinds of fish. Some flies are imitators, made to resemble insects as close as possible; some are attractors, since they rely on shape or color to arouse a fish's curiosity or aggressive tendencies. Here's a general overview of the different types of flies:

Terrestrial: This type of fly is meant to imitate an insect that has accidentally fallen into the water. It could resemble an insect that is dead or drowning. Examples include crickets, grasshoppers, etc. It can be either submerged under water or floating on the surface.

Dry: A dry fly will resemble an insect that naturally floats on the surface of the water. They may be attached to a light hook so that they float better, or they might be made with a bit of cork so that they stay buoyant. Dry flies may need to be dried from time to time.

Wet: The wet fly is submerged under water. It's usually made to mimic aquatic insects, drowned (or drowning) insects, or small aquatic creatures such as leeches.

Streamers: These kinds of flies are meant to provoke an aggressive response from the fish. They often resemble an injured minnow or some other baitfish.

Nymph: Fish often prey on aquatic nymph insects that are in the process of emerging into their adult form. Examples include mayflies, damselflies, and dragonflies.