5 Wet Flies That Fly Fisherman Will Always Love
What Is a Wet Fly?
A wet fly is a fly that imitates a sub-surface insect. It is meant to be fished below the surface. Most flies will float on the surface, so they are tied with hackle and foam to help them float. A wet fly is often weighted, so it can sit at the bottom of the stream or river. They are usually fished on a floating or sinking line.
Green Butt Skunk
Here is a top-notch fly that has stood the test of time. The Green Butt Skunk is an effective pattern for both brown trout and rainbow trout, as well as some cutthroat trout. It is best fished in streams with slow to medium flow, and it's tied with green, yellow and white wool on a hook. It's a must-have fly for any fly fisherman to add to their fly box.
Green Highlander
The Green Highlander was first developed in Scotland, and is said to be a cross between a Coachman and Red Hackle flies. It's been used since the late 1800s, and it's still very popular among fly fishermen today. This fly has been successful when used for trout fishing in both the United States and Canada. Although its name suggests that it only works during green seasons, this isn't true; the Green Highlander has worked well at any time of year when there are salmon or trout in a river or stream.
Like most Green Highlanders, this one is typically tied with red hackle underneath dark green wool on a size 8-10 hook (though you can use any material you like). The pattern is simple but effective—and while tying it may take some practice to get right, there are plenty of online tutorials available if you're interested in learning how to do so yourself.
The Green Highlander is an excellent choice for catching brown trout (one of many species commonly found throughout North America) due to its coloration resembling that of the small invertebrates they feed on naturally. The fly can also be used as part of your dry/dropper setup—it works particularly well with March Browns because both have similar colors: dark greens mixed with some orange/red hues."
Black and Peacock Spider
The Black and Peacock Spider is one of the most popular wet flies, and for good reason. Like the Partridge and Orange, it's a great fly to use if you're just starting out. It has a simple pattern that can be tied in less than five minutes once you've mastered its steps, which makes it an excellent option if you're going on an extended fishing trip. A few Black and Peacock Spiders made ahead of time will serve you well when the fish start biting.
A lot of fishermen like using this fly because they find that it works well with all kinds of species, from trout to salmon to grayling. Although there are different ways to tie the Black and Peacock Spider, the classic version is easy for everyone to master—whether you're new to wet flies or have been tying them for years (or even decades!).
Gold-ribbed Hare's Ear Nymph
Gold-ribbed Hare's Ear Nymph is an excellent wet fly for trout fishing in the UK. Although it is a wet fly, it has the qualities of a good dry fly, and can be used on a variety of waters and at any time of the year. It should be used as a searching pattern, as fish will often take this fly when nothing else seems to work.
The Gold-ribbed Hare's Ear Nymph is easy to tie.
Pheasant Tail Nymph
Fly fishing is an addictive activity. People who catch the bug are bound to enjoy the sport for their entire lives, and they'll probably stick with their favorite patterns as well. When you're a beginner fly fisherman, it can be hard to know what lures are worth carrying in your bag at all times.
The Pheasant Tail Nymph is one of those flies that every fisher should have with them whenever they hit the water. Here's what you need to know about this wonder-fly:
The Pheasant Tail Nymph is exactly what it sounds like: a nymph that looks like a pheasant's tail and floats underwater.
The most common kind of pheasant tail nymph features a black bead and brown hackle, but there are other varieties available as well.
This fly works best when fished during Mayfly or Caddis hatches. You can also use it in lakes where damselflies and dragonflies live, since these insects look similar enough to Pheasants Tails for trout to mistake them for food sources.
As far as size goes, anything between #12 - #18 will work just fine—but larger sizes are more likely to attract attention from wary fish, so start big if you're not sure which size will work best for your location and situation!
Wet flies do not get the respect that they deserve.
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Too often, wet flies are overlooked in favor of dries and nymphs. This is a shame, because wet flies can be very effective at catching trout in rivers. They sink quickly and drift along the bottom of the river where larger trout wait for their next meal. Wet flies are also very easy to fish: simply cast upstream or across stream, allow the fly to sink for about 5 seconds, then gently lift your rod and let it rest until it sinks again. Repeat this process until your fly crosses the end of your line or you catch a fish!
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Here are some examples of great wet flies that should be in every fly fisherman's box:
