What is the difference between dry flies and wet flies?

Dry flies are tied to float, while wet flies are made to sink.

Dry Flies

Dry flies are often tied onto a light hook, and use materials that aid to keep it afloat above the surface. They imitate aquatic insects that land on the surface of the water to lay their eggs, larvae or nymphs recently hatched, or dead insects that drop to the water's surface.

Common dry flies are made to imitate stoneflies, dragonflies, mayflies, sedges, midges, etc...

Wet Flies

Wet flies are tied to be heavier than dry flies, allowing them to sink below the water's surface. They are often tied with a bit of lead or other material to add weight. They imitate aquatic insects or other creatures that naturally occur beneath the surface, or dead creatures that have sunk below the water's surface.

Common wet flies: minnows, shrimp, fish eggs, chromomides, grubs, etc...

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