INTRODUCTION

All flies may be grouped into two major categories: SURFACE/SUBSURFACE - that is DRY or WET FLIES, and IMITATORS / ATTRACTORS or those that: imitate a specific food item or those that attract the fish’s attention. 

These two classifications can be applied to individual flies in combination such as the Hendrickson dry fly which is a surface imitator and the Royal Coachman Bucktail Streamer, a fly  which is a SUBSURFACE ATTRACTOR.

The SURFACE/SUBSURFACE method of classification is quite precise; a fly, either floats (DRY) or it doesn’t (WET). However, there are subclassification. A dry fly can be designed to be a high floater, a low floater or ride flush to the surface. A wet fly can be designed as a bottom-hugger or barely sink into the surface film. The latter are referred to as “DAMP” flies

The IMITATOR/ATTRACTOR classification is not as precise as the SURFACE/ SUBSURFACE method. 

For example the Hendrickson was designed to imitate a particular mayfly in the sub-adult, or dun stage but, with slight variations it becomes a great imitators of a number of mayflies and is fished effectively as an attractor when no insects are hatching and fish are not rising.

A prime example of a non-specific but food-suggestive dry fly is the Royal Coachman. This old pattern, a favorite throughout the world, does not resemble any particular natural insect.

Its possession of striking color contrast, high visibility and the suggestion of a floating insect has proven over time to be the highly successful features of this classic.

A true IMITATOR is designed to be mistaken by the fish for a specific natural insect or other dietary item. These flies will have the size, color, texture, silhouette and sometimes behavior characteristics of the natural. True ATTRACTORS are designed without a special natural in mind. There effectiveness results from good visibility, contrast and behavior in or on the water.

STREAMERS are a class of wet flies that are dressed to resemble or suggest small fish (sometimes thought of as fly-rod lures).. Some Patterns will resemble specific species of baitfish and some wild looking attractors.

Another approach to fly design is how the fly relates to the types of waters its going to perform in or matching the fly to the water. If you are fishing a dry fly in rough water you will need a fly that can be seen by both you and the fish. You will be looking for a medium to large fly that doesn’t blend with the water and is a good floater.Wulffs, Humpys or Varients would be a consideration.

In the more moderate, shallower currents you will need to reduce the size of your tippet and perhaps go to a size 14 Adams (assuming there is no hatch) For a slow, quiet pool with a glass surface you may decide to move on. But if you accept the challenge you may choose a small wet fly or nymph. If you chose a dry fly you would probably be tying #18 through 26 flies on 6X or 7X tippets.

Nymphs are artificial re-creations of a special natural aquatic insect form. The term "nymph" is a generic description covering larvae, pupae, mayfly nymphs, and crustaceans. Nymphs can be weighted or unweighted so that various fishing depths can be reached, ranging from a river bed (weighted) to just below the surface (unweighted).