The Three Basic Types of Flies for Fly Fishing

An experienced insurance professional and business owner in Colorado Springs, Colorado, B. Todd Bailey serves as principal of both Fortress Risk Management and Stronghold Risk Management. He also serves as the founder of Rise2Pro.com. When he isn’t working, B. Todd Bailey enjoys fly fishing at locations throughout the American West.

Fly fishing is a challenging sport, but it can be made more enjoyable by choosing the correct fly.

Of the tree basic types of flies, the dry fly delivers the most exciting fishing experience. Because it floats on top of the water, fish have to come to the surface to attack it. This typically gives fishermen a clear view as fish enter shallow water or even break the surface with a jump.

The nymph, by comparison, sits below the water’s surface where certain types of fish, such as trout, do most of their feeding. Although less dramatic than the dry fly, the nymph is far more productive when it comes to landing fish.

The last major type of fly, the streamer, is a particularly fun fly to use because it requires a great deal of action on the fisherman’s part. Streamers are designed to react as fishermen pull them in a series of shorter and longer jerks. This motion mimics the erratic movements that a live insect would make when traveling through the water.