Understanding Wet-Fly and Dry-Fly Fishing

Fly fishing is a specialized type of fishing. It requires a certain set of skills and equipment designed especially for the sport. One of the “defining” pieces of equipment is the fly, which is of course the lure used in this sport. Flies come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials, and what works is pretty much up to the individual angler. There is, however, one important point to remember when selecting flies: Do you want wet flies or dry flies?

What’s the Difference?

If you’re a newbie, you’re probably shaking your head right now. Don’t worry the difference is easy to understand. Wet flies are used for wet fly fishing and dry flies are used for dry fly fishing.

As you might guess, the description refers to whether the fly actually gets wet. It sounds simple, but the styles of fishing are distinctly different.

Dry Fly Fishing

When you see someone fly fishing in a magazine, book or movie, they are most often dry fly fishing. Many fly fishermen consider it the “purer” form of fly fishing, but that’s more a personal preference than a fishing fact.

This type of fly fishing means the fly is going to stay dry. That is achieved by the action of the casting to keep the fly above the surface of the water. The point is to make the lure resemble an insect dancing above the water. To snag a fish while dry fly fishing, the fish has to rise to the surface to be hooked and reeled in.

Wet Fly Fishing

Obviously if dry fly fishing means the flies stay dry, then wet fly fishing means the flies get wet. This method means using a different type of lure. This fly will not only go underwater, but can also sink all the way to the bottom. Wet flies are designed to move underwater, especially in a current. Often wet fly fishermen will have more than one wet fly in the water at a time.

When to Use Wet and When to Use Dry

Because dry flies are supposed to simulate real insects, summertime is the best time to go dry fly fishing. There are more insects buzzing around during the summer time, which means you’ll have a better chance of snagging a fish with this method. Fall can be a good time, too, depending on the location. Locations where the weather stays warm longer will still have insects long into the autumn season.

Wet fly fishing doesn’t rely on the insect population, so it isn’t as restrictive. You can use this method as long as the flies are realistic for the fish for the season. All that needs to happen with wet flies is they look attractive to the fish when underwater.

Personal Choice

The method of fly fishing you use is strictly a personal choice. If you enjoy fishing in colder locations, wet fly fishing will probably bring you more success. If your favorite fishing spot is warm, dry fly fishing will probably be your method of choice. Either way, the point is to have a good time. So