Definition

Noun: A type of artificial fishing fly designed to float on the surface of the water, imitating an adult insect that has landed or hatched on the surface. It is used in fly fishing.

Usage

The term "dry fly" is used to specify a category of fishing lure and the associated fishing technique. It contrasts with a "wet fly," which is designed to sink below the surface. - He carefully selected a dry fly to match the mayflies hatching on the river. - Dry fly fishing requires precise casting and a delicate presentation.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "Dry fly only": A regulation on some rivers or streams that permits only the use of dry flies, often to promote a specific type of angling or to protect fish during certain conditions.
  • This section of the river is dry fly only to preserve the wild trout population.

Variants and Related Words

• Dry-fly (adjective, often hyphenated): Pertaining to or used in dry fly fishing.
  • He is an expert in dry-fly tactics.
• Wet fly (noun): The contrasting type of fly designed to sink and fish beneath the water's surface.

Synonyms

• Floating fly
• Surface fly

Related Phrases

• Match the hatch: A key principle in dry fly fishing where the angler chooses an artificial fly that closely resembles the insects currently hatching and available to the fish.
  • To be successful, you must learn to match the hatch with your dry fly.
• Dry fly rise: The visible take of a fish on a surface insect or dry fly, often creating a ripple or splash.
  • We saw a good dry fly rise near the far bank.

Noun

1. a fly (fisherman's lure) that skims the surface of the water