Helpful Hints
Fly-Buying (and Tying) Savvy
By Jon Bowman
Helpful Hints
Fly-Buying (and Tying) Savvy
By Jon Bowman
On my recent trip to Montana I saw more fly shops and more different flies than I'd seen in my total fly fishing experience. Some were fairly standard and some were, well, weird! One thing to consider when buying new dry flies or when feeling extra creative is how that fly is going to act in the air, and how it will sit in the water. Wings that are excessively bulky, long or do not allow air to easily pass through them (or any combination of the above) will twist your leader. You must remember that before it becomes trout bait, your fly is a guided missile, and excessive imbalance (big wings) or wind resistance (air impermeable material) will catch air and twist your leader.
The other effect of wing size (mass) is how the fly sits in the water. Tall, heavy wings make it more likely that your fly will ride gracelessly on its side when it lands. Wetness (water logging) shouldn't be a problem if you do a false cast or two. One way to compensate for wing mass is to use a heavier hook when you can get away with it, such as in bushy, heavily hackled flies. I like Mustad 3906 (standard nymph hook) for Royal Wullf's and similar ties, and a 3906B (same, but 1XL) for Humpies and similar dries that want a bit more length.
In conclusion: hair and hackle wings of a reasonable length are good. Solid wing material of cellophane or foam type materials are bad, no matter how touchingly realistic they look in the package. Have fun, catch lots of fish!