The Six Fly Fishing Fly Categories

By Robert Rankin, Robbinsville, NC

IntroductionOwner and operator of historic Robbinsville, NC, retreat

Snowbird Mountain Lodge, Robert Rankin has provided guests with a unique getaway experience in the mountains of North Carolina for more than 20 years. An outdoor enthusiast, Robert Rankin enjoys fly fishing in the numerous bodies of water in and around the Robbinsville, NC, area.

Fly fishing involves using different flies, varying in size and color, to catch fish. Most flies fall into one of six basic categories.

1. Nymphs--Designed to imitate water-dwelling insects in their larval form, nymphs are most often used in the bottom of lakes. They are especially effective for fishing salmon and trout.

Fly Fishing Fly Categories2. Streamers--An all-around fly, a streamer is used for all

types of fish throughout any body of water. Its design imitates such primary fish food sources as baitfish and crayfish.

3. Salmon flies--Although these do not imitate any natural food source, salmon flies trigger aggression in steelhead and salmon. Both Atlantic and Pacific salmon respond to these flies.

4. Dry flies--Perfect for trout, bass, and panfish, dry flies rest on the water’s surface. They are designed to imitate both adult aquatic insects and other food sources that often fall into the water.

Conclusion5. Wet flies--An imitation of adult aquatic

insects as they move to the surface, wet flies are effective for trout and bass and work well for steelhead and salmon.

6. Saltwater flies--Replicating everything from shrimp to baitfish, saltwater flies are used in the ocean. Depending on the design, they attract several saltwater fish, including tarpon and bonefish.