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Barbless Green Drake Wulff Fly. The Wulff dry fly was first tied by Lee Wulff, and with its bushy hackle is a great fly for those riffles which would sink a more delicate fly. Fish these flies as a standard dry, but don't be afraid to also fish these when they are wet - they are surprisingly successful fished in the surface film! The Wulff flies come into their own in an afternoon through to late evenings.
      £1.50 Check stock Purchase Options
The Humpy is a great pattern to use during May, June and July.The folded hump and tail are reminiscent of many crippled mayfly and midge patterns and the overall profile and variable colours lend themselves well to various smaller stoneflies and Caddis/Sedge, as well as terrestrial patterns like early season hoppers and beetles. This fly is available in sizes 12, 14, 16, 18 & 20 (all be it there is not a great deal of difference in size between the size 18 and size 20)..
      £1.50 Check stock Purchase Options
Barbless Jingler Fly. An imitation of the Large Dark Olive and often mistaken for a March Brown, this spider like fly is fished dry and sits just in the miniscus. Can be used in either early or late season, one of the new generation of flies.
      £1.50 Check stock Purchase Options
 
Barbless Split-Wing Olive Fly. With a slim quill like body and CdC split wings, these really do imitate the Blue Winged Olive and are ideal during afternoon hatches. With the wings tied in a slight 'V' formation, these sit just right on the water surface.
      £1.50 Check stock Purchase Options

Davie McPhail Grunter Hare's Ear Fly

In association with Fulling Mill
Davie McPhail Grunter Hare's Ear Fly. The Hare's Ear McPhail Grunter is a lethal pattern for wild brown trout on any loch or when targeteing rainbow trout on the surface. Fish this fly on a floating line and skate it across the surface, perfect for Sedge feeders. The Hare's Ear Grunter can also be fished in a big wind when the fish are high in the water, as well as rivers when March Browns or Brook Duns are hatching. Designed by Fulling Mill fly designer, Davie McPhail.
      £1.70 Check stock Purchase Options

Davie McPhail Grunter Olive Fly

In association with Fulling Mill
Davie McPhail Grunter Olive Fly. The Olive McPhail Grunter is a lethal pattern for wild brown trout on any loch or when targeteing rainbow trout on the surface. Fish this fly on a floating line and skate it across the surface, perfect for Sedge feeders. The Olive Grunter can also be fished in a big wind when the fish are high in the water, as well as rivers when Olives are hatching. Designed by Fulling Mill fly designer, Davie McPhail.
 

Davie McPhail Grunter Bibio Fly

In association with Fulling Mill
Davie McPhail Grunter Bibio Fly. The Bibio McPhail Grunter is a lethal pattern for wild brown trout on any loch or when targeteing rainbow trout on the surface. Fish this fly on a floating line and skate it across the surface, perfect for Sedge feeders. The Bibio Grunter can also be fished in a big wind when the fish are high in the water. Designed by Fulling Mill fly designer, Davie McPhail.
      £1.70 Check stock Purchase Options

Davie McPhail Detached Body Hopper Black Fly

In association with Fulling Mill
Davie McPhail Detached Body Hopper Black Fly. The Black McPhail Detached Body Hopper is the perfect fly to imitate terrestrial insects. Fish this fly across the surface to create a wake or static on the suface as a traditional dry fly. This pattern can also be fished as part of a washing line set up on a midge tip or sinking line. Designed by Fulling Mill fly designer, Davie McPhail.
      £1.70 Check stock Purchase Options

Davie McPhail Detached Body Hopper Red Fly

In association with Fulling Mill
Davie McPhail Detached Body Hopper Red Fly. The Red McPhail Detached Body Hopper is the perfect fly to imitate terrestrial insects. Fish this fly across the surface to create a wake or static on the suface as a traditional dry fly. This pattern can also be fished as part of a washing line set up on a midge tip or sinking line. Designed by Fulling Mill fly designer, Davie McPhail.
      £1.70 Check stock Purchase Options
 

Davie McPhail Detached Body Hopper Orange Fly

In association with Fulling Mill
Davie McPhail Detached Body Hopper Orange Fly. The Orange McPhail Detached Body Hopper is the perfect fly to imitate terrestrial insects. Fish this fly across the surface to create a wake or static on the suface as a traditional dry fly. This pattern can also be fished as part of a washing line set up on a midge tip or sinking line. Designed by Fulling Mill fly designer, Davie McPhail.
      £1.70 Check stock Purchase Options
Davie McPhail Sedgehog Hopper Kate Davie Mclaren Fly. Sedgehogs have long been a favourite among wild brown trout anglers as of late, those fishing for stocked rainbow trout. The McPhail Loch Ordie Sedgehog is a twist on a tradition wet fly, designed to be fished high in the water to imitate struggling insects. Fish this fly both fast or slow to cause a disturbance in the surface film. Designed by Fulling Mill fly designer, Davie McPhail.
      £1.70 Check stock Purchase Options

Davie McPhail Sedgehog Hopper Loch Ordie Fly

In association with Fulling Mill
Davie McPhail Sedgehog Hopper Loch Ordie Fly. Sedgehogs have long been a favourite among wild brown trout anglers as of late, those fishing for stocked rainbow trout. The McPhail Loch Ordie Sedgehog is a twist on a tradition wet fly, designed to be fished high in the water to imitate struggling insects. Fish this fly fast in the surface film to cause a disturbance or static as a dry fly in calm conditions. Designed by Fulling Mill fly designer, Davie McPhail.
      £1.70 Check stock Purchase Options
 

Davie McPhail Sedgehog Hopper Peach Fly

In association with Fulling Mill
Davie McPhail Sedgehog Hopper Peach Fly. Sedgehogs have long been a favourite among wild brown trout anglers as of late, those fishing for stocked rainbow trout. The McPhail Peach Sedgehog is a twist on a tradition wet fly, designed to be fished high in the water to imitate struggling insects. Fish this fly both fast or slow to cause a disturbance in the surface film. Designed by Fulling Mill fly designer, Davie McPhail.

Davie McPhail Ginger Wulff Fly

In association with Fulling Mill
Davie McPhail Ginger Wulff Fly. The McPhail Ginger Wulff is a great Mayfly imitation that will be deadly on the loughs of Ireland. This bushy dry fly will ride high on the surface just like the real thing. Make sure you fish this pattern on strong nylon as takes can be explosive! Designed by Fulling Mill fly designer, Davie McPhail.
      £1.70 Check stock Purchase Options

Davie McPhail Grey Wulff Fly

In association with Fulling Mill
Davie McPhail Grey Wulff Fly. The McPhail Grey Wulff is a great Mayfly imitation that will be deadly on the loughs of Ireland. This bushy dry fly will ride high on the surface just like the real thing. Make sure you fish this pattern on strong nylon as takes can be explosive! Designed by Fulling Mill fly designer, Davie McPhail.
      £1.70 Check stock Purchase Options
 

Davie McPhail Olive Wulff Fly

In association with Fulling Mill
Davie McPhail Olive Wulff Fly. The McPhail Olive Wulff is a great Mayfly imitation that will be deadly on the loughs of Ireland. This bushy dry fly will ride high on the surface just like the real thing. Make sure you fish this pattern on strong nylon as takes can be explosive! Designed by Fulling Mill fly designer, Davie McPhail.

Davie McPhail Big Wave Ginger Wulff Fly

In association with Fulling Mill
Davie McPhail Big Wave Ginger Wulff Fly. The McPhail Big Wave Ginger Wulff is a great Mayfly imitation that will be deadly on the loughs of Ireland. Unlike most Wulff patterns, this 'Big Wave' style has a palmered body, ensure it will float in the strongest of winds. This dry mayfly will ride high on the surface just like the real thing. Make sure you fish this pattern on strong nylon as takes can be explosive! Designed by Fulling Mill fly designer, Davie McPhail.
      £1.70 In stock Purchase Options

Davie McPhail Big Wave Grey Wulff Fly

In association with Fulling Mill
Davie McPhail Big Wave Grey Wulff Fly. The McPhail Big Wave Grey Wulff is a great Mayfly imitation that will be deadly on the loughs of Ireland. Unlike most Wulff patterns, this 'Big Wave' style has a palmered body, ensure it will float in the strongest of winds. This dry mayfly will ride high on the surface just like the real thing. Make sure you fish this pattern on strong nylon as takes can be explosive! Designed by Fulling Mill fly designer, Davie McPhail.
      £1.70 In stock Purchase Options
 

Davie McPhail Big Wave Olive Wulff Fly

In association with Fulling Mill
Davie McPhail Big Wave Olive Wulff Fly. The McPhail Big Wave Olive Wulff is a great Mayfly imitation that will be deadly on the loughs of Ireland. Unlike most Wulff patterns, this 'Big Wave' style has a palmered body, ensure it will float in the strongest of winds. This dry mayfly will ride high on the surface just like the real thing. Make sure you fish this pattern on strong nylon as takes can be explosive! Designed by Fulling Mill fly designer, Davie McPhail.
      £1.70 In stock Purchase Options

Davie McPhail Wet May Fly

In association with Fulling Mill
Davie McPhail Wet May Fly. The McPhail Wet May fly is a great subsurface pulling pattern when Mayflies are hatching. Featuring all the key trigger points, this Wet Mayfly will be a great top dropper or point fly for wild brown trout and rainbows. Designed by Fulling Mill fly designer, Davie McPhail.
      £1.70 Check stock Purchase Options

Davie McPhail Sunburst Gosling Fly

In association with Fulling Mill
Davie McPhail Sunburst Gosling Fly. The Sunburst McPhail Gosling is a top Mayfly imitation that is best fished in bright conditions. The long tail, sunburst body and light front hackle gives the illusion of a hatching or drowned mayfly, an easy target for a hungry trout! A great dropper pattern for the wild brown trout. Designed by Fulling Mill fly designer, Davie McPhail.
      £1.70 Check stock Purchase Options
 

Davie McPhail Jardine Mayfly Emerger Fly

In association with Fulling Mill
Davie McPhail Jardine Mayfly Emerger Fly. The mayfly offers one of the most spectacular hatches, with the fish honing in on the fly as it struggles to hatch. The Jardine Mayfly Emerger is a great imitation that captures this stage perfectly, and the fish just cannot help themselves with this fly in the middle of the hatch. Designed by Fulling Mill fly designer, Alex Jardine.
      £1.70 Out of stock -

Davie McPhail Buzzer Mirage Fly

In association with Fulling Mill
Davie McPhail Buzzer Mirage Fly. Buzzers are a staple part of a trouts diet, whether you're fishing for wild brown trout or rainbows on a large reservoir, buzzers will be present. The Mirage McPhail Buzzer can be fished as a single fly or as part of a team of buzzers. A two or three fly cast is usually best when targeting buzzer feeders with this Mirage buzzer fished on the middle dropper or point for attraction. Designed by Fulling Mill fly designer, Davie McPhail.

Davie McPhail Buzzer Red Neck Fly

In association with Fulling Mill
Davie McPhail Buzzer Red Neck Fly. Buzzers are a staple part of a trouts diet, whether you're fishing for wild brown trout or rainbows on a large reservoir, buzzers will be present. The Red Neck McPhail Buzzer can be fished as a single fly or as part of a team of buzzers. A two or three fly cast is usually best when targeting buzzer feeders with this Red Neck buzzer fished on any position of the cast. Designed by Fulling Mill fly designer, Davie McPhail.
 

Davie McPhail Buzzer Olive Fly

In association with Fulling Mill
Davie McPhail Buzzer Olive Fly. Buzzers are a staple part of a trouts diet, whether you're fishing for wild brown trout or rainbows on a large reservoir, buzzer will be present. The Olive McPhail Buzzer can be fished as a single fly or as part of a team of buzzers. A two or three fly cast is usually best when targeting buzzer feeders with this Olive buzzer fished on the top dropper to catch the light. Designed by Fulling Mill fly designer, Davie McPhail.

Davie McPhail Olive French Partridge Fly

In association with Fulling Mill
Davie McPhail Olive French Partridge Fly. The McPhail Olive French Partrudge Mayfly is a great subsurface pulling pattern when Mayflies are hatching. Featuring all the key trigger points, this Mayfly pattern will be a great top dropper or point fly for wild brown trout and rainbows. Designed by Fulling Mill fly designer, Davie McPhail.
      £1.70 Check stock Purchase Options
Davie McPhail McPhail CdC Olive Barbless Fly. The Davie McPhail CDC Olive is a split wing pattern that is ideal for targeting olive feeders on the river. Tied on a Fulling Mill Barbless dry fly hook. Designed by Fulling Mill fly designer, Davie McPhail.
      £1.95 Check stock Purchase Options
 
Fulling Mill Klinkhammer Black Foam Fly. Basically a parachute, but designed by Hans van Klinken so that the abdomen and tail dip into the water. Variations abound, but the concept is highly effective. Single fly.
      £1.60 Check stock Purchase Options
Fulling Mill Klinkhammer Hare's Ear Foam Fly. Basically a parachute, but designed by Hans van Klinken so that the abdomen and tail dip into the water. Variations abound, but the concept is highly effective.
      £1.60 Check stock Purchase Options
Fulling Mill Klink Adams Grey Fly. Basically a parachute, but designed by Hans van Klinken so that the abdomen and tail dip into the water. Variations abound, but the concept is highly effective.
      £1.60 Check stock Purchase Options
 
Fulling Mill Klink Caddis Green Fly. Basically a parachute, but designed by Hans van Klinken so that the abdomen and tail dip into the water. Variations abound, but the concept is highly effective.
Fulling Mill Klink Light Olive Fly. Basically a parachute, but designed by Hans van Klinken so that the abdomen and tail dip into the water. Variations abound, but the concept is highly effective.
      £1.60 Check stock Purchase Options
Fulling Mill Klink Rust Fly. Basically a parachute, but designed by Hans van Klinken so that the abdomen and tail dip into the water. Variations abound, but the concept is highly effective.
      £1.60 Check stock Purchase Options
 
Fulling Mill Klink Tan Fly. Basically a parachute, but designed by Hans van Klinken so that the abdomen and tail dip into the water. Variations abound, but the concept is highly effective.
      £1.60 Check stock Purchase Options
Fulling Mill Klink Black Fly. Basically a parachute, but designed by Hans van Klinken so that the abdomen and tail dip into the water. Variations abound, but the concept is highly effective.
      £1.60 Check stock Purchase Options
Fulling Mill SR Klinkhammer Duo Special Barbless Fly. A best seller. Based on the very successful Klinkhammer original comes this very inventive concept allowing you to attach a dropper easily to the small ring on the hook bend. Barbless.
 
Fulling Mill Greased Lightning Pink Fly. Basically a parachute, but designed by Hans van Klinken so that the abdomen and tail dip into the water. Variations abound, but the concept is highly effective.
      £1.60 Check stock Purchase Options
Fulling Mill Mohican Mayfly Fly.
      £1.60 Out of stock -
Fulling Mill Barbless Mohican May Fly. An extended body imitation of the most easily recognised British Mayfly and the most popular with anglers. Barbless.
      £1.75 Check stock Purchase Options
 
Fulling Mill Mohican Mayfly Olive Fly. The Mohican May is an extended body imitation of the most easily recognised Mayfly. Match the hatch with this super realistic Olive Mayfly pattern, barbed.
Fulling Mill Mayfly Parachute Fly. A best seller. With its extended body and parachute style hackle this pattern presents the perfect profile to feeding fish. A day on the mayfly is a special day indeed.
      £1.60 Check stock Purchase Options
Fulling Mill Mayfly Green Drake Fly. A best seller. The Green Drake or Common Mayfly, is easily identifiable and frequently represented by fly dressers. A lovely delicate and large insect measuring up to around 50 mm, found in abundance in spring and early summer, but in places can be found well into autumn. A day ?on the mayfly? is a special day indeed.
      £1.60 In stock Purchase Options
 
Fulling Mill Mayfly French Partridge Fly. The French Partridge is another of those patterns that can be fished wet or dry depending on the state of the hatch, a terrific fly when teased back through a wave on the Lochs.
5 star review (1)     £1.60 In stock Purchase Options
Fulling Mill Mayfly Grey Wulff Fly. A best seller. The original Grey Wulff pattern with its upright wing,, invented in the 1930's by American angler Lee Wulff Still as effective today. A day on the mayfly is a special day indeed.
      £1.60 Check stock Purchase Options
Fulling Mill Mayfly Lunns Spent Gnat Fly. When Mayfly have mated after their brief life they die and often fall back on the water, they are described as "spent" This pattern devised by William Lunn in the early 1900's imitates the dead natural with its outstretched wings stuck in the surface film.
      £1.60 In stock Purchase Options
 
Fulling Mill Mayfly Flyline Fly. A best seller. The Green Drake or Common Mayfly, is easily identifiable and frequently represented by fly dressers. In this case the body is produced with a piece of cream coloured flyline to match the colour of the natural. A day on the mayfly is a special day indeed.
      £1.60 Check stock Purchase Options
Fulling Mill Mayfly Silhouette Fly. A best seller. With all the right ingredients, extended body with tails and an upright facing wing.
      £1.60 Check stock Purchase Options
Fulling Mill Mayfly Baz's Fly. A best seller. This imitates a Mayfly in the process of hatching with a CdC wing to aid visibility and floatation. Use it on both rivers and stillwaters.
      £1.60 Check stock Purchase Options
 
 
 

Flies

What Are Fishing Flies and How Do They Work?

Fishing flies are artificial lures designed to imitate the insects, baitfish, crustaceans, or other natural food sources that fish feed on. Most commonly associated with fly fishing, these lightweight lures are engineered to be cast using the weight of the fly line rather than the lure itself. From delicate dry flies that sit on the water’s surface to weighted nymphs and streamers that work subsurface, flies allow anglers to match the hatch and present a realistic offering in a wide range of conditions.

Unlike conventional lures, fishing flies rely heavily on shape, proportion, colour, and movement to trigger strikes. Materials such as feathers, fur, synthetics, and fine wires are carefully selected to replicate lifelike behaviour in the water. Whether you are targeting wild brown trout on a chalk stream, grayling in fast rivers, or stillwater species, the right fly can make all the difference.

At Uttings, our collection of flies caters for beginners learning the basics of fly fishing as well as experienced anglers seeking proven patterns tied to the highest standards.

How to Choose the Right Fishing Flies for Your Needs

Selecting the correct fishing fly is part science, part observation, and part experience. The key is understanding what fish are feeding on and how they are feeding at that moment.

Fly Type and Water Conditions

Different fly styles are designed for specific scenarios. Dry flies are ideal when fish are rising to take insects from the surface, while nymphs imitate larvae and pupae below the surface. Streamers mimic small fish or leeches and are often effective for aggressive or predatory feeding behaviour.

Size, Profile, and Weight

Fly size is critical. In clear, pressured waters, smaller and more subtle patterns often outperform larger flies. In faster or deeper water, weighted flies help achieve the correct depth quickly. The overall profile should closely resemble the natural food source present in the water.

Colour and Seasonal Relevance

Colour choice can vary depending on light levels, water clarity, and season. Natural tones work well in clear water, while brighter or darker patterns can improve visibility in coloured or low-light conditions. Seasonal insect life also plays a role, making it worthwhile to carry a varied selection.

Hook Quality and Durability

Well-tied flies with sharp, high-quality hooks are essential. Durable materials and secure tying ensure the fly maintains its shape after multiple fish, saving money in the long run and improving hook-up rates.

Top Fishing Fly Brands and Models at Uttings

Uttings proudly stocks fishing flies from respected names known for consistency, innovation, and attention to detail.

Fulling Mill is widely regarded as one of the finest fly producers in the world. Their patterns are designed by expert anglers and tied using premium materials, offering reliability across rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

Davie McPhail flies reflect decades of fly tying expertise, delivering beautifully balanced and highly effective patterns. These flies are popular with discerning anglers who appreciate precision and realism.

Both brands offer a wide selection of dry flies, nymphs, and more suitable for a variety of species and fishing styles.

Fishing Fly Tips and Expert Advice

For those new to fly fishing, starting with a small, versatile fly box is a sensible approach. A mix of dry flies, nymphs, and attractor patterns allows you to adapt as conditions change. Pairing your flies with suitable fly fishing rods, balanced fly reels, and appropriate leaders and tippet will significantly improve presentation.

Experienced anglers often fine-tune their approach by carrying multiple sizes of the same pattern, adjusting weight and colour to suit the situation. Keeping flies organised and dry between sessions helps extend their lifespan.

If you are interested in creating your own patterns, exploring our fly tying materials category can open up a new level of customisation and satisfaction.

Fishing Flies FAQs

What types of fishing flies should beginners start with?

A balanced selection of dry flies, bead-head nymphs, and a few small streamers provides flexibility and covers most common fishing situations.

How do I know which fly size to use?

Match the size of natural insects in the water. When in doubt, starting smaller is often more effective, especially in clear conditions.

What is the difference between dry flies and nymphs?

Dry flies float on the surface to imitate adult insects, while nymphs sink below the surface to mimic immature aquatic insects.

Do fishing flies work in stillwater as well as rivers?

Yes. Many patterns are highly effective in lakes and reservoirs, particularly nymphs and streamers fished at varying depths.

How important is hook quality in fishing flies?

High-quality hooks improve hook-up rates and reduce the chance of bending or breaking when playing fish.

Can I reuse fishing flies after catching fish?

Well-tied flies can be reused multiple times, but it’s important to dry them thoroughly and replace any damaged patterns.

Should fly colour change with water clarity?

In clear water, subtle natural colours are usually best. In coloured or low-light conditions, darker or brighter flies can improve visibility.

Why Buy Fishing Flies 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 premium fishing flies from the world’s leading brands, carefully selected for performance and reliability.

With expert customer service, fast delivery, and a genuine passion for the great outdoors, our team is always on hand to help you choose the right gear. Backed by over 45,000 five-star Trustpilot reviews, Uttings is a trusted destination for anglers who value quality and advice they can rely on.

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