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Fly Fishing Flies

Fly fishing flies are the heart of fly angling, designed to mimic the natural prey of fish, from mayflies and caddis to midges, shrimp, and baitfish. Whether you’re stalking trout on a stillwater, targeting grayling in fast-flowing rivers, or chasing wild brown trout on a Scottish loch, the right fly can make all the difference. Since 1988, we’ve helped fly anglers choose the perfect flies for UK waters, offering hand-selected patterns for every season, hatch, and technique.

Why Fly Selection Matters

✅ Imitates insects and aquatic life that fish feed on
✅ Matches seasonal hatches for better takes
✅ Different flies suit different depths, weather, and currents
✅ Presentation and profile can trigger instinctive strikes
✅ Specialist flies work for trout, grayling, salmon, and even coarse species

Mastering your fly box gives you an edge—matching the hatch and enticing wary fish with precision.

🪶 Types of Fly Fishing Flies

Fly TypePurposeBest For
Dry FliesFloat on the surface to mimic adult insectsTrout, grayling in rivers or stillwaters
NymphsSink below surface to imitate immature aquatic insectsTrout, grayling—especially in colder months
Wet FliesFished subsurface to mimic drowned insects or emergersTrout, coarse fish
Buzzers (Chironomids)Slow sinkers imitating midge pupaeStillwater trout and reservoirs
EmergersRide in the surface film—just hatchingFinicky surface-feeding fish
StreamersRepresent baitfish, leeches, or fry—strip-retrieve or twitchBig trout, perch, pike
TerrestrialsMimic ants, beetles, or grasshoppers blown into the waterSummer trout, especially on rivers and lakes
LuresFlashy attractor flies that provoke reaction strikesStocked trout, deep-water or windy days
Shrimp/Scud PatternsRepresent freshwater shrimp and gammarusGrayling and river trout
Salmon & Sea Trout FliesTied for larger migratory fishSalmon, sea trout, grilse

🎣 Fly Selection by Water Type

Water TypeRecommended Flies
StillwatersBuzzers, blobs, damsels, boobies, diawl bachs
Small riversKlinkhammers, PTNs, CDC dries, spiders
ReservoirsLures, buzzers, zonkers, snakes
Lochs & wild lakesBlack Pennell, invicta, sedges, daddies
Fast-flowing riversCzech nymphs, hares ears, tungsten jig nymphs
EstuariesShrimp patterns, small baitfish streamers

Key Features of a Great Fly

  • Realistic profile and silhouette

  • Correct weight or buoyancy (e.g., tungsten bead for fast sink)

  • Appropriate size for target species and time of year

  • Natural or attractor colours depending on water clarity

  • Durability for multiple uses and fish

Best Fly Fishing Fly Brands We Stock

  • Fulling Mill – Industry-leading UK fly brand with expertly tied patterns

  • Greys – Proven river and stillwater flies for all trout species

  • Wychwood – Value-packed selections for beginners and experienced anglers

  • Semperfli – Specialist materials and patterns for bespoke tying

  • Orvis – Premium-quality flies for global trout and salmon destinations

  • Barbless Flies – Ethical fly patterns designed for catch and release

  • Custom Local Patterns – Tied by UK experts to match regional hatches

🔁 Fly Fishing Flies by Season

SeasonBest Flies
SpringOlive duns, hares ears, CDC emergers, March browns
SummerDaddies, beetles, Klinkhammers, buzzers
AutumnSedges, PTNs, zonkers, shrimp patterns
WinterTungsten jigs, Czech nymphs, bloodworms, streamers

Expert Tips for Fly Selection

✅ Match the hatch—observe insects and mimic their size, colour, and behaviour
✅ Vary depth with nymph weights and leader length
✅ Use brighter or flashier flies in coloured water or low light
✅ Keep dries well-treated with floatant (e.g., CDC oil, silicone)
✅ Start with small flies (size 16–18) when fish are pressured
✅ Don’t overlook old-school wets—they still catch in modern conditions

🧠 FAQ: Fly Fishing Flies (10+ Questions)

1. What’s the difference between dry flies and wet flies?
Dry flies float on the surface; wet flies sink and mimic insects below or just under the surface.

2. What fly size should I use?
Use size 12–16 for most trout, smaller (18–20) for pressured fish, and larger (8–10) for streamers or attractors.

3. Do I need different flies for rivers and lakes?
Yes—rivers favour natural, delicate dries and nymphs, while stillwaters often require buzzers, blobs, and lures.

4. How do I fish a nymph?
Cast upstream or across and let it dead drift or bounce along the bottom. Euro nymphing and indicator setups are highly effective.

5. What are barbless flies?
Flies tied without barbs—they cause less harm and are often required on catch-and-release venues.

6. Are attractor flies effective?
Yes—especially in coloured water, windy days, or when fish aren’t feeding naturally. Use blobs, boobies, or snakes to provoke bites.

7. What’s a Klinkhammer?
A high-riding dry fly that imitates emerging insects—ideal for fussy river trout and grayling.

8. Can I fish flies without fly gear?
Yes—float-and-fly setups with spinning rods, or fly lures on bubble floats, can be used for coarse or trout fishing.

9. How should I store flies?
Use a foam or slotted fly box, keep them dry, and organise by type or water depth.

10. How do I treat dry flies to make them float longer?
Use fly floatant gel, CDC oil, or powder desiccants to keep them riding high and water-free.

11. Do flies work for coarse species like roach or perch?
Absolutely—nymphs and wet flies can catch roach, dace, and even perch when fished carefully.

Tied Right Since 1988

From hand-tied nymphs to modern attractors, our fly selection has been trusted by UK anglers for decades. Whether you’re stalking river browns or exploring stillwater fisheries, we stock only proven, well-tied patterns from the world’s leading brands—ready to match the hatch, season, and water clarity.

🎣 Tie on, cast out, and rise to the occasion. Shop fly fishing flies online or visit us in-store today.

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