Wet flies
Used at the right time, you will be surprised by the catchiness of our wet flies
Wet flies are fished below the surface of the water but are usually tied without any weight and therefore do not sink as quickly or deeply as nymphs. Rather, they are designed to work in the free water column, simulating the rise of the insect as it hatches or a small fleeing fish. During the drift, the wet flies can also be further animated by light tugs on the fly line. These movements stimulate the trout's hunting instinct and often tempts them to get thy fly. Our wet fly patterns feature very soft and streamlined hackles and feathers that are perfect for this purpose. Fishing with this type of artificial fly was very popular in the past but is unfortunately often unjustly underestimated nowadays. Used at the right time, you can have a great time on the water and be amazed at how many fish you can catch in a short time.
WET FLIES – THE UNDERRATED ART OF FISHING BENEATH THE SURFACE
Wet flies have been an integral part of fly fishing since its earliest days. Unlike dry flies, they are presented below the surface and are usually tied without added weight. This allows them to drift naturally through the water column, imitating emerging insects or small prey attempting to escape. It is precisely this lifelike movement that makes wet flies so effective in a wide range of fishing situations.
NATURAL MOVEMENT BELOW THE SURFACE
Well-designed wet flies are distinguished by their soft hackles and slim, streamlined profiles. As the current flows through the fibres, they open and pulse, giving the fly an incredibly lifelike appearance. For trout and grayling, this subtle movement is often impossible to ignore. During the drift, gentle twitches of the fly line can add further attraction. These small bursts of acceleration frequently trigger instinctive takes, particularly from fish feeding in the middle layers of the water column.
In this category, you'll discover a broad selection of patterns and tying styles, including elegant Soft Hackles and Spiders for wary fish, classic Winged Wets for faster currents, and minimalist Emergers designed for insects hatching just beneath the surface. Unweighted patterns offer the most natural presentation, while lightly weighted versions—using fine lead wire, for example—allow the fly to fish slightly deeper without sacrificing its lively movement. This makes it easy to present your fly precisely where feeding fish are holding.
THE ART OF THE WET FLY SWING
One of the best-known presentations for wet flies is the Wet Fly Swing. The cast is made slightly downstream, allowing the fly to swing across the current under steady tension in a broad arc. By using mends, you can control the speed, depth and angle of the presentation. A brief pause or a gentle strip at the end of the swing is often all it takes to provoke a confident take. This technique excels in riffles, runs and smooth glides where trout intercept drifting insects carried by the current.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT WET FLY THROUGHOUT THE SEASONS
Wet flies are at their most productive during spring and early summer, when large numbers of aquatic insects are hatching and fish feed higher in the water column. They also perform exceptionally well on mild autumn days, in slightly coloured water or when flows are elevated. In cold, crystal-clear conditions, it often pays to fish a little deeper—for example by using a heavier nymph on the point with a wet fly fished as the second fly.
Our wet flies are carefully tied from premium materials and feature balanced proportions together with an exceptionally natural action in the water. Combined with the right size, colour and presentation, they rank among the most versatile and effective fly patterns available for trout and grayling fishing.