Wet Flies
Wet Flies
What Are Wet Flies and How Do They Work?
Wet flies are a classic and highly effective category of fly fishing flies designed to fish below the water’s surface. Unlike dry flies, which are intended to float and imitate adult insects resting on the water, wet flies sink or drift just under the surface film, mimicking emerging insects, drowned terrestrials, small baitfish, or aquatic larvae in motion.
Traditionally fished across and downstream on rivers, wet flies come alive in the current. Their soft hackles, subtle movement, and lifelike profiles trigger instinctive takes from trout, grayling, and other freshwater species. On stillwaters, they can be retrieved slowly or fished on the drift to imitate swimming insects or fry, making them a versatile choice for a wide range of conditions.
Wet flies are particularly effective during hatches, in coloured water, or when fish are feeding sub-surface rather than rising confidently. They bridge the gap between dry flies and nymph flies, offering anglers a natural presentation when fish are feeding just below the surface.
How to Choose the Right Wet Flies for Your Needs
Selecting the right wet fly involves understanding both the fishing environment and the behaviour of the fish you are targeting. While wet flies are forgiving and adaptable, a few key considerations can dramatically improve your success.
Fly Size and Profile
Fly size is one of the most important factors. Smaller sizes are often effective on pressured rivers or clear water, while larger patterns work well in faster flows or stained conditions where visibility is reduced. A slim profile suits emerging insects, while fuller-bodied flies can imitate small fish or more active prey.
Hackle and Movement
Soft hackle wet flies are prized for their natural movement. As the fly swings in the current or is gently retrieved, the hackle pulses and breathes, imitating life. For anglers fishing rivers, this movement is often what provokes confident takes.
Colour and Visibility
Wet flies are available in a wide range of colours, from natural olives and browns to darker blacks and traditional patterns with subtle flashes. Natural colours excel in clear water and bright conditions, while darker or more contrasting flies stand out better in low light or coloured water.
Hook Quality and Durability
High-quality hooks are essential for reliable hook-ups and long-term durability. Premium wet flies are tied on strong, chemically sharpened hooks that maintain their shape and sharpness after multiple fish. Well-tied flies also retain their profile and hackle movement even after extended use.
Top Wet Fly Brands and Models at Uttings
At Uttings, we stock wet flies from trusted manufacturers known for consistent tying quality and proven fish-catching patterns. Two standout names in this category are Fulling Mill and Gone Fishing, both respected for their attention to detail and extensive pattern ranges.
Fulling Mill wet flies are widely used by professional anglers and guides, offering traditional and modern patterns tied to exacting standards.
Wet flies also pair naturally with other fly fishing essentials, such as fly fishing lines and leader and tippet materials, helping anglers fine-tune depth, drift, and presentation.
Wet Fly Tips and Expert Advice
Fishing wet flies successfully is as much about technique as it is about fly choice. Beginners often find them easier to use than dry flies, while experienced anglers appreciate their subtlety and effectiveness in challenging conditions.
On rivers, a classic approach is to fish a team of wet flies across and downstream, allowing them to swing naturally in the current. This method covers water efficiently and lets fish intercept the fly as it moves. On stillwaters, slow figure-of-eight retrieves or long pauses can be deadly, especially when fish are feeding just below the surface.
For those new to fly fishing, wet flies offer an excellent introduction to reading water, controlling line drift, and detecting takes without the pressure of precise surface presentations. For seasoned anglers, they remain a reliable choice when fish refuse dries or when conditions demand a sub-surface approach.
Why Buy Wet 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 wet flies from leading brands, carefully selected to meet the needs of both professional anglers and enthusiastic hobbyists.
With over 45,000 five-star reviews on Trustpilot, Uttings is trusted for expert advice, fast delivery, and outstanding customer service. Our team shares a genuine passion for the great outdoors and is always ready to help you choose the right flies for your fishing style and waters.
Wet Flies FAQs
What are wet flies used for?
Wet flies are used to fish below the water’s surface, imitating emerging insects, drowned flies, or small baitfish that trout and grayling naturally feed on.
When should I fish wet flies instead of dry flies?
Wet flies are ideal when fish are not rising, during hatches when insects are emerging, or in windy and overcast conditions where surface feeding is limited.
What size wet fly should I choose?
Smaller sizes work well in clear, low water, while larger wet flies are better suited to faster flows, deeper water, or reduced visibility.
Are wet flies good for beginners?
Yes, wet flies are very beginner-friendly, as they do not require perfect float control and are effective with simple drifting or retrieving techniques.
Can wet flies be used on stillwater?
Wet flies are highly effective on lakes and reservoirs when retrieved slowly or fished on the drift to imitate swimming insects or fry.
Do wet flies sink quickly?
Most wet flies sink slowly, staying just under the surface film, though sink rate can be adjusted with leader length, fly weight, or fly line choice.
What fish species can I catch with wet flies?
Wet flies are primarily used for trout and grayling but can also take other freshwater species that feed on insects and small aquatic life.