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Here’s what we got for you today:
Knowing what fly to choose when fly fishing doesn’t have to be a mystery 🪰
Who’s up for digital fishing licenses? 📱
The verdicts out on whether fish tacos should be grilled or fried 🐟
Fly Fishing 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Flies That Work
Fly fishing can seem intimidating - line whistling overhead, tiny hand-tied creations that mimic bugs you barely notice, and a vocabulary that sounds like a foreign language. This article breaks down the six main types of flies, explains what they imitate, and gives you a few practical tips to make better choices on the water. By the end, you’ll know exactly what each fly is for and when to tie it on, no biology degree required.
1. Dry Flies
Float on the surface, imitating adult insects like mayflies or caddisflies. Best when you see fish rising or insects hatching.
2. Nymphs
Sink and mimic immature insects drifting underwater. Since most fish feed below the surface, these are your year-round workhorses.
3. Emergers
Represent insects transitioning from water to air. Deadly during hatches—basically brunch time for trout.
4. Streamers
Imitate baitfish, leeches, or crayfish. Fish them with movement to trigger aggressive strikes from larger fish.
5. Terrestrials
Grasshoppers, ants, beetles - perfect in late summer when land bugs end up in the water.
6. Wet Flies
Traditional subsurface patterns swung across the current. Great for covering water quickly.
Pro Tips:
Double Up: Fish a nymph below a dry fly - you’ll cover two feeding zones at once and the dry works as a strike indicator.
Pinch the Barb: Easier hook removal, kinder to fish, and it might just save your favorite shirt if things go sideways.
Change Depth Before Pattern: If you’re not getting bites, try adding weight or adjusting leader length before switching flies.
Use Floatant Wisely: A small dab on dry flies keeps them riding high and visible - just don’t overdo it, or you’ll end up greasing the hook.
With these basics in mind, you’ll have the confidence to choose the right fly for the job - and maybe even sound like you know what you’re talking about when someone asks, “So, what are they biting on?”
🎣 IN THE FIELD
Starting August 15, Texas hunters and anglers can skip the paper and tag their catches directly from their phones using the Texas Hunt & Fish and TPWD Outdoor Annual apps. Hopefully, other states will follow suit and make outdoor licensing this simple.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy ended up referring himself to the Environment Agency after fishing with US Vice President JD Vance at Chevening House once he realized he’d forgotten to buy his mandatory rod license. He’s since bought the license and made amends. What’s worse than getting skunked in front of the US Vice President without a license.
This may help you with your fly box:
AI CORNER
Every week we generate fishing related AI images. See the coolness/weirdness below:
💋 CHEF’S KISS - RECIPE OF THE WEEK
What’s your vote for - fried or grilled fish tacos?