Fly Fishing Flies 101: Types Of Flies

by Jim Walczak

flies

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fly-fishing-flies-by-Rob-Ireton.jpg There are 2 main types of fly fishing flies:

  • Imitators – flies that imitate a living creature found in nature (like an ant)
  • Attractors – flies that don’t imitate anything in particular, but merely attract a particular type of response from fish

More about imitators and attractors.

Here’s a better explanation of imitators and attractors, as described by an avid fly fisherman…

 

To further break down fly fishing flies, these are the most common:

  • A dry fly imitates insects that commonly fall or land on the surface of the water.
  • A wet fly imitates insects that are typically found underneath the surface of the water.
  • A nymph is a wet fly that imitates the early life stages of insects underneath the surface of the water.
  • A streamer imitates a bait fish underneath the surface of the water.
  • A terrestrial is a land-based insect that enters the water on accident.

 

More About Fly Fishing Flies

The Best Flies

A Fly Fisher’s Guide To Saltwater Naturals & Their Imitation

How To Determine Which Fly Fishing Flies You Need

The Names Of Fly Fishing Flies

Fishing Flies And Fly Types

Secrets Of Fishing Terrestrial Flies

Attractor Trout Fly Fishing Flies Collection