Fly Fishing Gear | Dry Flies
Dun's, Caddis, midge, Hoppers and anything else that float on the water trout eat! There are fe better experiences then watching a proper fish commit to coming to the surface to suck down your floating presentation. We have handpicked a selection of dry flies from quality brands like Fulling Mill, Category 3 and RIO Flies.
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WHAT IS A DRY FLY?
A dry fly is a type of fly designed to float on the water's surface, mimicking insects or terrestrials that naturally land on or hover above the water. Unlike wet flies or nymphs, which sink beneath the surface, dry flies are intended to be seen by fish that are feeding on the top. This makes them particularly effective in situations where fish are actively looking for surface food.
WHEN TO FISH DRY FLIES
Dry fly fishing is most effective during certain times of the year and under specific water conditions. Spring and summer are ideal seasons for using dry flies due to the increased insect activity during these warmer months. This period often features hatches of mayflies, caddisflies, and hoppers, which make the surface of the water a prime feeding zone for fish. Autumn can also be a good time for dry fly fishing, particularly when targeting species that feed on midges or blue-winged olives.
In terms of water conditions, dry flies are best used in clear or lightly stained water. Such conditions allow fish to easily spot the fly on the surface. Additionally, dry flies perform well in slow-moving or still water, where the fly can drift naturally and attract fish without being influenced by strong currents.
WHAT IS AN IDEAL DRY FLY SETUP?
For an ideal dry fly setup, the rod, line, leader, and tippet all play crucial roles. A rod designed for dry fly fishing is typically lightweight, with a weight range from 3 to 5. This helps achieve the delicate presentations required for effective dry fly fishing. Rod lengths usually range from 7.5 to 9 feet. Longer rods provide better casting distance and accuracy, while shorter rods offer improved control in tighter spaces.
The line used should be a weight-forward floating line. This type of line supports the delicate presentation of the fly and helps keep it afloat. Leaders for dry fly fishing are generally longer than those used for other types of fly fishing, ranging from 7.5 to 12 feet. A tapered leader helps with turnover and reduces drag on the surface, which is crucial for a natural presentation.
Tippets are used to connect the leader to the fly and are typically lighter than the leader itself. For dry fly fishing, tippet sizes commonly range from 4X to 6X, depending on the size of the fly and the fish being targeted. The lighter tippet ensures that the dry fly drifts naturally on the water, enhancing its effectiveness in attracting fish.
NEED HELP CHOOSING FLIES? CONTACT US TODAYIf you have a particular dry fly setup in mind but would appreciate some additional advice. Simply get in touch with our friendly sales team – they’re always up for a chat. You can contact us by calling our Tumut store on (02) 6947 4062 or by email.
Fulling Mill Hare's Ear (GRHE)
Fulling MillA delicate up-wing dry fly with a sensational following right across the world. An excellent generalist mayfly imitation. Here at Tom's Outdoors, w...
View full detailsFulling Mill Hi-Float Ant
Fulling MillSummer-time-sippers call for the perfect snack! When an ant fall is on, trout can become incredibly annoying, especially on glassed out high countr...
View full detailsFulling Mill Red Tag
Fulling MillAny fly with a tag immediatey catches more fish! The Red Tag has proved itself over many years as a fantasic dry and wet fly. This Fulling Mill ver...
View full detailsRIO's Morrish Hopper - Tan
RIOOne of the best hopper patterns not only in Australia but the world! It's hard to imagine a world without the Morrish Hopper. Ken Morrish undeniabl...
View full detailsRIO's Morrish Hopper - Pink
RIOOne of the best hopper patterns not only in Australia but the world! It's hard to imagine a world without the Morrish Hopper. Ken Morrish undeniabl...
View full detailsFulling Mill Ronan's Willow Grub
Fulling MillWhere there are willows, there are grubs, where there are willow grubs, there are trout. Willows are an unfortunate invasive species along or water...
View full detailsFulling Mill OE Mohican March Brown Barbless
Fulling MillA Kosciuszko Dun patter par-excellence. This is the ultimate evolution of the famous Mohican from Fulling Mill. We order them in fast before the ma...
View full detailsFulling Mill Muddler Mini Claret Bumble
Fulling MillThis fly is a true all-rounder for your loch-style (lake) fishing. One moment it's a hopper struggling for life, the next it transforms into a mud-...
View full detailsCategory 3 Churnobyl UV - Black
Category 3 Fly CompanyChur Bro, ya know Churnobyl? There's no nuclear in New Zealand but there is a nuclear option when it comes to trout flies. This Chubby Chernobyl A...
View full detailsCategory 3 Churnobyl UV - Orange
Category 3 Fly CompanyChur Bro, ya know Churnobyl? There's no nuclear in New Zealand but there is a nuclear option when it comes to trout flies. This Chubby Chernobyl A...
View full detailsCategory 3 Churnobyl UV - Olive
Category 3 Fly CompanyChur Bro, ya know Churnobyl? There's no nuclear in New Zealand but there is a nuclear option when it comes to trout flies. This Chubby Chernobyl A...
View full detailsCategory 3 Churnobyl UV - Tan
Category 3 Fly CompanyChur Bro, ya know Churnobyl? There's no nuclear in New Zealand but there is a nuclear option when it comes to trout flies. This Chubby Chernobyl A...
View full detailsCategory 3 Woomfah - Olive
Category 3 Fly CompanyFor those who have been fortunate enough to get into some good cicada fishing you will know how crucial it is to have a good pattern. The key to t...
View full detailsCategory 3 Woomfah - Black
Category 3 Fly CompanyFor those who have been fortunate enough to get into some good cicada fishing you will know how crucial it is to have a good pattern. The key to t...
View full detailsFulling Mill Christopher Bassano's Shaving Brush Hares Ear/Possum
Fulling Mill AUA must-have Australian mayfly emerger pattern. The Shaving Brush Hares Ear/Possum is the textbook Kosi-Dun emerger. Tied with hares ear and possum ...
View full detailsFulling Mill Christopher Bassano's Shaving Brush Claret
Fulling Mill AUThe perfect emerging mayfly silhouette Bassano's Shaving Brush Claret is a staple for evening risers and lakes. The emerging mayfly shape with the ...
View full detailsFulling Mill Christopher Bassano's Zulu Tag
Fulling Mill AUThe famous red tag just got better. A variation of the popular red tag, Christopher Bassano's Zulu Tag is a fantastic dry fly for rivers and lakes ...
View full detailsFulling Mill Christopher Bassano's Hares Ear Klinkhammer
Fulling Mill AUThe Hares Ear Klinkhammer is a versatile necessity in any Angler's arsenal. Highly buoyant, highly visible emerger dry-fly pattern perfect for a dr...
View full detailsFulling Mill Christopher Bassano's Para Adams Fluoro Post
Fulling Mill AUThe Parachute Adams speaks for itself as being one of the most popular dry flies ever created. When mayflies are about, this fly more often than no...
View full detailsFulling Mill Christopher Bassano's Black Spinner
Fulling Mill AUA prolific hatch, particularly in Tasmania, the Black Spinner is hard to resist for rising trout. A very delicate and realistic presentation, perfe...
View full detailsFulling Mill Christopher Bassano's Orange Spinner
Fulling Mill AUA fantastic orange spinner pattern perfect for late evenings when trout are feeding. Abundant in Tasmania and other parts of Australia, the orange ...
View full detailsFulling Mill Christopher Bassano's Carrot Fly
Fulling Mill AUThis highly visible, highly effective fly designed for rainbow trout in England works surprisingly well for wild browns in Australia. Not designed ...
View full detailsFulling Mill Christopher Bassano's Claret Carrot Fly
Fulling Mill AUA successor to Bassano's Carrot Fly the Claret Carrot is a great Australian version as claret is a popular colour for our streams. A somewhat more ...
View full detailsFulling Mill Christopher Bassano's Palmered Orange Tag
Fulling Mill AUA slight variation on the popular red tag, a go-to trout fly in Australia and abroad. The Palmered Orange Tag floats high and is a great attractor ...
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