These flies are really meant to replicate smaller insects and bug larva that either live in the water, or end up falling there from either birds, trees, or getting washed in by heavy rains. Whatever the case is, fish both large and small love eating these smaller creatures, and it is the staple of most smaller species food diets. The way that these flies move through the water column helps to mimic the smaller insect which fish find irresistible. There are two major types of flies used for fly fishing, either the wet variety or the dry fly, and both have their distinct times for being used.

photo credit: Dylan Luder

If fish are focusing on top of the water for their smaller meals, or waiting for bugs to get washed in which is typically the case during and after rain storms, then you are probably going to want to use a dry fly that sticks to the top of the water. These super light flies, often containing foam to help keep them above the water column, will barely break the waters surface as you pull the line back in, and this minute movement is what calls fish in like a dinner bell. These types of flies are often considered poppers, or topwater flies.

On the other hand, when fish are looking for prey to be moving around under the waters surface, which tends to be the case when the sun is high over head, they are going to want larger lures that have a bit more action, but that are also weighted to provide a more lifelike appeal, as well as getting under the waters surface. These types of lures generally attract the larger fish in your target species, so be prepared and don’t forget to bring a heavier rod for these types of fly fishing flies. You’re going to need it.