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 Klink Rust
Fulling MillKlinkhammer patterns have become a staple Fly pattern, the world over. First tied as an emerging Caddis pattern by Hans Van Klinken, a Dutch fly fi...
View full detailsFulling Mill Chernobyl Ant Black Tan - Dry Fly
Fulling MillThe Chernobyl Ant is an unusual looking fly that is constructed from foam so it is unsinkable, the mobile legs will move with the even slightest of...
View full detailsFulling Mill CdC & Elk - Barbless Dry Fly
Fulling MillThe original Elk Wing Caddis has had the wing modified to include CdC feathers for increased floatation, A few false casts will dry the fly off. On...
View full detailsFulling Mill Black Magic Klinkhammer - Barbless Dry Fly
Fulling MillA best seller. Klinkhammer series flies are named after their inventor Hans Van Klinken from Holland. These sit perfectly on the water because of t...
View full detailsFulling Mill Breadcrust - Specialist Carp Fly
Fulling MillA very effective fly when fish are coming up for bread. The Fulling Mill Specialist range has been tailor made for anglers looking to target...
View full detailsFulling Mill Barry's CdC Red Tag - Barbless Premium Dry Fly
Fulling MillA best seller CdC variant of the Red Tag, a versatile fly, fish it as a Red Tag or cut the tail off and you have a black F-Fly. Barbless
Fulling Mill CdC March Brown - Barbless Premium Dry Fly
Fulling MillMarch Browns are an important part of the trouts early season diet, with its slender upright wing this is a great fly to match the natural and temp...
View full detailsFulling Mill Championship Caddis - Barbless Premium Dry Fly
Fulling MillThe dense CdC feather wing of this adult caddis imitation gives a perfect silhouette of an adult natural, if the fly gets drowned a few false casts...
View full detailsFulling Mill Bristol Hopper Red Premium Dry Fly
Fulling MillThe original standard Bristol Hopper. Inspired by small craneflies blowing onto the lake and 'hopping' from wave to wave, this style has become a...
View full detailsFulling Mill Braided Butt Damsel - Premium Dry Fly
Fulling MillAdult damsel flies are a common sight in warmer months and are eagerly hunted by trout. This pattern is effective whenever naturals are seen hoveri...
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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