Fly Fishing Indicators
Loon Biostrike Indicator Putty - Pink / Yellow
A putty indicator that makes adjusting the depth and size of indicator simple.
Loon Strike Two Indicator - Orange
Synthetic glo-yarn strike indicator pre-treated with Hydrostop to keep them visible atop the water, floating forever.
Fly Fishing Indicators
What Are Fly Fishing Indicators and How Do They Work?
Fly fishing indicators are visual strike-detection aids designed to help anglers spot subtle takes when fishing with nymphs, wet flies, or light rigs below the surface. Often referred to as “fly fishing floats” or “strike indicators,” these tools sit on the leader or tippet and react instantly to changes in line tension, hesitation, or movement caused by a fish taking the fly.
Unlike traditional coarse or carp indicators, fly fishing indicators are lightweight, highly sensitive, and designed to drift naturally with the current. Their primary purpose is to provide visual feedback without interfering with the presentation of the fly. When used correctly, an indicator allows the angler to detect takes that would otherwise go unnoticed, especially when fishing deeper runs, fast water, or in low-visibility conditions.
Fly fishing indicators are commonly used alongside fly rods, fly reels, and fly lines, forming an essential part of modern nymphing and river fly fishing setups.
How to Choose the Right Fly Fishing Indicators for Your Needs
Selecting the right fly fishing indicator depends on water type, fly size, depth, and personal fishing style. While some anglers prefer traditional yarn indicators, others opt for foam, air-lock, or putty-style indicators that offer different performance benefits.
Indicator type is the first decision. Yarn indicators are popular for their sensitivity and natural drift, making them ideal for technical river fishing. Foam indicators provide excellent buoyancy and visibility, particularly when fishing heavier nymphs or deeper pools. Air-lock and balloon-style indicators allow quick depth adjustments and are favoured by anglers covering varied water during a session.
Size and buoyancy play a major role in performance. Larger indicators are easier to see and support heavier flies, while smaller indicators offer a more delicate presentation. Matching indicator size to fly weight and water speed is key to achieving a drag-free drift.
Visibility is especially important in fly fishing. Bright colours such as orange, chartreuse, pink, or white help anglers track the drift against broken water or glare. Many anglers carry multiple colours to adapt to changing light and water conditions.
Leader compatibility and adjustment should also be considered. Some indicators attach using knots, while others clamp or lock onto the leader, allowing for quick depth changes without retying. Easy adjustment is particularly valuable when fishing rivers with varying depths.
The table below outlines common fly fishing indicator styles and their typical applications.
| Indicator Type | Best For | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Yarn Indicator | Technical nymphing | Natural drift and high sensitivity |
| Foam Indicator | Heavier flies, deeper water | Excellent buoyancy and visibility |
| Air-lock / Adjustable | Variable depth rivers | Quick depth adjustment |
Top Fly Fishing Indicator Brands and Options at Uttings
At Uttings, you will find a carefully selected range of fly fishing indicators from trusted brands known for quality materials and dependable performance. From subtle yarn indicators for chalk streams to highly visible foam indicators for fast freestone rivers, there are options to suit every fly angler.
Many indicators are designed to work seamlessly with modern nymphing techniques, including Czech and Euro-style setups. Durable attachment systems, water-resistant materials, and consistent buoyancy ensure reliable performance across long sessions.
Fly fishing indicators can be easily paired with other essential gear from related categories such as fly leaders and fly fishing accessories, allowing anglers to fine-tune their entire rig.
Fly Fishing Indicator Tips and Expert Advice
Proper placement is critical when using fly fishing indicators. A general rule is to position the indicator around one-and-a-half to two times the water depth above the fly. This allows the nymph to reach the strike zone while maintaining a natural drift.
Watching the indicator closely is essential. Any hesitation, twitch, dip, or unnatural movement should be treated as a potential take. Reacting quickly improves hook-up rates, especially when targeting trout and grayling.
Adjusting indicator size and depth throughout the day can dramatically improve results. As water levels, light conditions, or fly choice change, small tweaks help maintain sensitivity and presentation. Keeping indicators clean and dry between sessions also helps preserve buoyancy and visibility.
Why Buy Fly Fishing Indicators at Uttings
Uttings is a family-run business based in Norwich, established in 1976 with decades of experience in outdoor and field sports retail. We stock a wide range of premium fly fishing indicators from leading brands, ensuring anglers have access to reliable, well-tested equipment.
With over 45,000 five-star reviews on Trustpilot, Uttings is trusted by fly anglers across the UK. Our expert customer service, fast delivery, and genuine passion for fly fishing and the outdoors make us a dependable choice for both beginners and experienced anglers.
Fly Fishing Indicators FAQs
What is a fly fishing indicator?
A fly fishing indicator is a visual aid attached to the leader that helps detect strikes when fishing subsurface flies.
Are fly fishing indicators the same as floats?
While similar in concept, fly fishing indicators are lighter and designed to drift naturally with minimal impact on presentation.
What size indicator should I use?
Choose a size that supports the weight of your flies while remaining as small as possible for sensitivity and realism.
Do indicators spook fish?
When used correctly and matched to conditions, indicators rarely spook fish and are widely used in clear water.
Can I use indicators for dry fly fishing?
Indicators are mainly used for nymphing and wet flies, not dry fly fishing where the fly itself acts as the indicator.
How do I adjust indicator depth?
Adjustable indicators slide along the leader, while fixed indicators require repositioning or retying.
Are yarn indicators better than foam?
Yarn indicators offer greater sensitivity, while foam indicators provide better buoyancy and visibility for heavier rigs.
Can fly fishing indicators be reused?
Most indicators are reusable, especially foam and adjustable styles, making them a practical long-term option.