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 Wulff Grey - Premium Dry Fly
Fulling MillA best-seller that can be used almost anywhere. The original Grey Wulff pattern and its upright wing was invented in the 1930's by American angler ...
View full detailsFulling Mill Winged Adams - Premium Dry Fly
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 Stimulator Yellow - Premium Dry Fly
Fulling MillA highly buoyant, bushy, impressionistic pattern that can be taken for a large adult stonefly, grasshopper or large adult sedge. Particularly effec...
View full detailsFulling Mill Parachute Adams - Premium Dry Fly
Fulling MillThe Parachute is everything you would imagine it to be - dependable, yet simply graceful. The Parachute Adams is a global best-seller for a good re...
View full detailsFulling Mill March Brown - Kosciuszko Dun (Pale Body) Premium Dry Fly
Fulling MillA vital part of any trout angler's fly collection. The natural March Brown is an important early-season food source for trout which appears from Se...
View full detailsFulling Mill Klinkhammer Flexi Claret - Premium Dry Fly
Fulling MillA highly effective dry fly with plenty of potential. The Klinkhammer Flecxi Claret is basically a parachute - designed by Hans van Klinken so that ...
View full detailsFulling Mill Klinkhammer Caddis Green - Premium Dry Fly
Fulling MillBasically a parachute, but designed by Hans van Klinken so that the abdomen and tail dip into the water. Variations abound, but the concept is high...
View full detailsFulling Mill Humpy Yellow - Premium Dry Fly
Fulling MillMore than just your everyday Humpy. This high visibility dry fly is a variation on the standard Humpy. It is heavily dressed - designed for float-a...
View full detailsFulling Mill High Visibility Black Foam Beetle Dry Fly - Premium Fishing Fly
Fulling MillIf you're serious about fly fishing, don't be caught without a great team of beetles. It's true, no serious angler should be without a good selecti...
View full detailsFulling Mill Hares Ear Parachute - Premium Dry Fly
Fulling MillHave you heard about the Hare's Ear? An excellent medium dun pattern with the hackle wound horizontally around an upright 'wing' or post. This is a...
View full detailsFulling Mill Griffith's Gnat - Premium Dry Fly
Fulling MillA dry fly, most famously known for representing balling midges. This pattern imitates a wide range of terrestrial and aquatic insects and floats pe...
View full detailsFulling Mill Greenwells Parachute - Premium Dry Fly
Fulling MillA rendition of the classic Greenwell's Glory, but tied with a parachute hackle so that it sits low and delicately on the water. Some anglers use no...
View full detailsFulling Mill Greenwells Glory - Premium Dry Fly
Fulling MillA classic best seller. This delicate upwing dry fly is a great general mayfly representation, presenting the perfect profile to feeding fish. Here ...
View full detailsFulling Mill F Fly Hares Ear CdC - Premium Dry Fly
Fulling MillOriginally called the Fratnik Midge, but now simply referred to as the F Fly. This versatile pattern may be used to imitate small sedges, olives, o...
View full detailsFulling Mill Elk Wing Caddis (Tan) Premium Dry Fly
Fulling MillA delicacy for the hungry trout. With hundreds of species of Trichoptera present in Australia, Caddis are a major source of food for trout. This is...
View full detailsFulling Mill CdC Elk Caddis Dry Fly - Premium Dry Fly
Fulling MillA delicacy for hungry trout. There are hundreds of species of Trichoptera present in Australia and Caddis are a major source of food for hungry tro...
View full detailsFulling Mill Blue Wing Olive (BWO) - Premium Dry Fly
Fulling MillThe blue winged olive group of mayflies is beloved of trout, and trout-fishers, everywhere. Often appearing in large hatches, they can send the fis...
View full detailsFulling Mill Bristol Hopper CdC Bibio - Premium Dry Fly
Fulling MillA representative of many struggling insects in the water. The CdC Bibio is a variation on the original Hopper as it uses the natural water repellen...
View full detailsFulling Mill Bristol Hopper Bibio - Premium Dry Fly
Fulling MillThe classic Bibio has been given the Hopper treatment, this style has become a modern classic. Effective as a general representation of many differ...
View full detailsFulling Mill Ant Black CdC - Dry Fly
Fulling MillAnts are in the air No serious angler should be without a good selection of terrestrial patterns, especially ants. When ants are blown onto the wat...
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