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 Humpy Red - Premium Dry Fly
Fulling MillNot your average Humpy. A heavily dressed pattern offering maximum floatability, the Fulling Mill Humpy Red is highly visible for both the fish and...
View full detailsFulling Mill Red Wulff - Premium Dry Fly
Fulling MillThe Fulling Mill Red Wulff is a fly that has been bulked up with hair rather than feathers. Initially designed by Lee Wulff to ensure floatability ...
View full detailsFulling Mill Stimulator Orange - Dry Fly
Fulling MillThe Stimulator Orange by Fulling Mill is a bushy, highly buoyant dry fly designed to resemble a stonefly, grasshopper or large adult sedge. Perfect...
View full detailsFulling 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 Foam Bodied Yellow May Dun Barbless
Fulling MillThis Mayfly Dun pattern from Fulling mills consists of a yellow foam body for added buoyancy and easy sighting in low light conditions . A perfect ...
View full detailsFulling Mill OE Mohican Yellow May Dun Barbless
Fulling MillThe Yellow OE Mohican May Dun from Fulling Mills has Poly-Yarn and CdC legs tied into the pattern for a realistic look. The high parachute on the b...
View full detailsFulling Mill OE Pinkhammer
Fulling MillPretty in pink The Klinkhammer has to one of the greats, an absolute classic that is awesome on its own, as a team, skated or dead-drifted, it's po...
View full detailsFulling Mill CJ's Sparkle Gnat
Fulling MillNo Idea what they're eating? The good old gnat has been reborn as the Sparkle Gnat. Perfect for imitating a swarm of balling midge that fish gorge ...
View full detailsFulling Mill McPhail Blowfly
Fulling MillEveryone needs good Blowie in their Box Blowfly patterns are synonmas with big trout, searching big rifles in open braided rivers, slapping them do...
View full detailsFulling Mill McPhail R/Tag H/Hopper
Fulling MillTake a Red-Tag and a Hopper, Smash them Together, Brilliant. Rather than being a Frankenstein of a fly, this is the perfect combination of a beetle...
View full detailsFulling Mill Mohican Mayfly
Fulling MillA fantastic Kosciuszko dun pattern Big Mayflys, Big results. The Mohican will slay those big Kozzie Dun feeders when the big bugs pop.
Fulling Mill Dad's Demoiselle
Fulling MillTrout love a Damsel in Distress An Excellent crippled/egg laying Damsel pattern with a dis-jointed hanging thorax that will stand out in a swarm o...
View full detailsCategory 3 Trailer Trash - Dry Fly
Category 3 Fly CompanyUsually trailed behind another dry as it is very hard to see on the water. When fished in tandem with a dry search pattern it's phenomenal how oft...
View full detailsCategory 3 Roger That - Dry Fly
Category 3 Fly CompanyPretty effective dry fly in its own right but with the added feature of a foam underwing it can float a size 12 or smaller tungsten bead nymph if ...
View full detailsCategory 3 Moondance - Dry Fly
Category 3 Fly CompanyA pearl body with a high Ultra Violet content Pretty effective dry fly in its own right but with the added feature of a foam underwing it can flo...
View full detailsCategory 3 Blowfly - Dry Fly
Category 3 Fly CompanyTrout Love Blowflies! Lots of foam high floating and easy to see on the water. Tied on a Tiemco 2488 wide gape fine wire hook.
Category 3 Tricky Situation - Dry Fly
Category 3 Fly CompanyYou have to have a few parachute flies in your box, this colour is a good twist on an old favourite Tied on a Tiemco 9300 1 X Heavy Gauge Dry Fly ...
View full detailsCategory 3 Orange Crush - Dry Fly
Category 3 Fly CompanyYou have to have a few parachute flies in your box, this colour is a good twist on an old favourite Tied on a Tiemco 9300 1 X Heavy Gauge Dry Fly ...
View full detailsCategory 3 Five By Five - Dry Fly
Category 3 Fly CompanyPretty effective dry fly in its own right but with the added feature of a foam underwing the Five by Five can float a size 12 or smaller tungsten ...
View full detailsCategory 3 Dead Cert - Dry Fly
Category 3 Fly CompanyYou have to have a few parachute flies in your box, this colour is a good twist on an old favourite inspired by a Blue Winged Olive. Tied on a Tie...
View full detailsFulling Mill Rusty Spent Spinner - Dry Fly
Fulling MillThe Rusty is a Modern Classic for a reason, it works.
Fulling Mill Green Drake - Dry Fly
Fulling MillA style of fly bulked up with hair rather than feathers, originated by American angler Lee Wulff to ensure floatability on the big fast western USA...
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...
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