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Flies
Fly fishing relies on artificial flies—small, lightweight lures tied from thread, fur, feathers, and other materials to imitate insects, baitfish, and other prey. Whether you're targeting trout in mountain streams, bass in ponds, or saltwater species on flats, the right fly makes the difference between a productive day and going home empty-handed. Understanding which patterns work in different seasons, water conditions, and locations helps you match what fish are actually feeding on.
These articles cover how to choose flies for specific fish and waters, what different patterns are designed to do, and how seasonal changes affect which flies produce results. You'll learn about dry flies that float on the surface, nymphs that work below, streamers that imitate larger prey, and regional patterns tied to match local hatches and forage.
20 articles
- Bass Flies: Patterns That Work in Lakes and RiversLearn about Bass Flies: Patterns That Work in Lakes and Rivers
- Bonefish Flies: Patterns That Work in Shallow WaterLearn about Bonefish Flies: Patterns That Work in Shallow Water
- Carp Flies: Patterns and Tactics for Freshwater CarpLearn about Carp Flies: Patterns and Tactics for Freshwater Carp
- Classic Atlantic Salmon Flies and How They WorkLearn about Classic Atlantic Salmon Flies and How They Work
- How to Fish Dry Flies and When They WorkLearn about How to Fish Dry Flies and When They Work
- Emergers: How to Fish the Flies That Trout Take During HatchesLearn about Emergers: How to Fish the Flies That Trout Take During Hatches
- Building a Fly Box That Covers What You'll Actually FishLearn about Building a Fly Box That Covers What You'll Actually Fish
- What Intruder Flies Are and Why They Show Up in Your Fishing SpotLearn about What Intruder Flies Are and Why They Show Up in Your Fishing Spot
- Midge Patterns: Tying and Fishing the Smallest Flies That WorkLearn about Midge Patterns: Tying and Fishing the Smallest Flies That Work
- Nymphs: The Underwater Flies That Catch More FishLearn about Nymphs: The Underwater Flies That Catch More Fish
- Pike and Musky Flies: Patterns That Work for Large PredatorsLearn about Pike and Musky Flies: Patterns That Work for Large Predators
- Poppers: Small Flies That Imitate Insects Breaking the Water SurfaceLearn about Poppers: Small Flies That Imitate Insects Breaking the Water Surface
- Salmon Flies: Patterns That Work in Rivers and StreamsLearn about Salmon Flies: Patterns That Work in Rivers and Streams
- Saltwater Flies: What They Are and How They Differ From Freshwater PatternsLearn about Saltwater Flies: What They Are and How They Differ From Freshwater Patterns
- Steelhead Flies: What Works and WhyLearn about Steelhead Flies: What Works and Why
- How to Fish Streamers and When They Work BestLearn about How to Fish Streamers and When They Work Best
- Tarpon Flies: What Works and WhyLearn about Tarpon Flies: What Works and Why
- Terrestrial Flies for Trout and Panfish: When Land Insects Matter MostLearn about Terrestrial Flies for Trout and Panfish: When Land Insects Matter Most
- How Tube Flies Work and When to Fish ThemLearn about How Tube Flies Work and When to Fish Them
- How Wet Flies Work and When to Fish ThemLearn about How Wet Flies Work and When to Fish Them