Flyfishing flys
Fly fishing has existed for at least the last two thousand years, but it didn’t become popular until the nineteenth century. Prior to that, the records of fly fishing are few and far between. In the 1800s, however, articles and books about flyfishing began being published in earnest in the UK and in the US. In the UK, flyfishing was seen as a sport for the upper class elite members of society who were fond of forming exclusive fly fishing clubs. In the US, fly fishing was a sport that any and everybody could enjoy. The US was also fond of experimenting with the sport and trying out new techniques, while the British frowned on such things and preferred to stick with the traditional methods of the sport. No matter which method you prefer, it is universally understood that using the right flyfishing flys is incredibly important to the overall success of your fly fishing outing.
There are four main types of flyfishing flys. This article is going to explain what each of them is and what they are used for. The four types of flyfishing flys are: dry fly fishing flys, wet fly fishing flys, streamer fly fishing flys and nymph fly fishing flys.
Dry Fly Fishing Flys
There are many subcategories of the dry fly fishing flys. Some of these categories are the olives, the mayflies, the green drakes, the spinners and the midges. The dry fly is a fairly self explanatorily named fly in that it names what it is named after. The dry fly is a fly that is supposed to look like an insect or type of fish prey that usually stays above the water.
Wet Fly Fishing Flys
Just like with the dry fishing fly, the wet fly fishing fly is pretty much self explanatory. The wet flyfishing flys are supposed to look like insects or prey that are usually underwater. Dead insects are good to use for this type of fly and sometimes the flys will look like leeches as well.
Nymph Fly Fishing Flys
A nymph fly fishing fly is variation of the wet fly fishing fly. A nymph is meant to look like fish prey (like insects) that are still in a larval state or are just beginning to emerge from one. This a very popular fly because fish are very fond of larvae. Subcategories of the nymph flyfishing flys are the caddis, crustaceans, tungheads and worms.
Streamer Fly Fishing Flys
Streamer fly fishing flys are also types of wet flys. The streamer fly fishing fly is supposed to look like a bait fish that has been injured. Typically the streamer flys are bigger than the other flys you will use when you go flyfishing. Streamer flys are popular for anglers who are trying to catch larger fish (like bass). Subcategories include: zonkers, buggers, sculpins and bucktails.
The type of flyfishing flys you use is very important because they are what will spell success or failure for your fishing trip. Make sure you know what you are trying to catch and then use the appropriate fly!