| A fly is a lure made to resemble an | | | | look like the developing insect who has |
| insect or other fish food. The idea | | | | not yet sprouted his wings. In its |
| behind the design is simple and true: | | | | larval form the real thing may often |
| make a lure that looks like the natural | | | | float through the water or crawl along |
| prey of some fish and they'll come | | | | underwater rocks. At that stage they are |
| racing onto the hook. Since at least the | | | | irresistible to a hungry trout. Or so |
| mid-17th century and probably for | | | | the eager angler wants to believe. Hope |
| hundreds of years before, that idea has | | | | springs eternal in the sport of fishing. |
| been tested over and over again. | | | | Terrestrial flies are lovingly shaped to |
| It works pretty well. | | | | imitate non-aquatic insects or worms. |
| The creativity of fishermen and their | | | | Even prey that doesn't seek to live on |
| friends who make flies for fun and | | | | or under the water may live near it. |
| profit is astounding, not least to the | | | | Unluckily for them they often find |
| anglers themselves. Flies are often as | | | | themselves in unexpected locations where |
| much works of art as practical devices. | | | | the fish are happy to see them. |
| But practical they are. Whether made to | | | | Another type called Streamers are made |
| look like a mayfly, a tiny prawn or even | | | | to look like baitfish. They may be used |
| a small rodent, a great fly is a wonder. | | | | in freshwater or saltwater situations |
| There is the humble Dry Fly. Designed to | | | | and they are as diverse as any other |
| float on the surface, it may appear to a | | | | category of fly. A Clouser that |
| curious fish to be a dragonfly resting | | | | resembles a minnow is a favorite of |
| on a pond. Or, it may look like any of a | | | | many, but a Sucking Leech has its fans, |
| thousand insects that rest on the water | | | | too. |
| before moving on. The real thing often | | | | Not all flies look like animals, |
| doesn't get the chance to leave. | | | | however. Some are made to resemble plant |
| An Orange Stimulator, for example, may | | | | food that some fish also enjoy, such as |
| look like a grasshopper who jumped a | | | | berries, seeds or flowers. Petals and |
| little too far. The hope is that the | | | | fruit that grow near the water often |
| 'insect' will prove too tempting to | | | | drop into it where the fish are very |
| resist. That hope is often satisfied. | | | | grateful. Carp flies are a common |
| Flies like this are used more often for | | | | variety in this category. |
| freshwater fishing, such as a favorite | | | | No angler can long resist the urge to |
| lake where the waters are calm. | | | | make his or her own fly. Sooner or later |
| A Wet Fly, by contrast, is designed to | | | | that latent creativity bursts forth in |
| sink just below the surface where they | | | | the desire to up the odds of landing |
| might resemble an insect who is about to | | | | that perfect lake trout. Let your inner |
| see a watery grave. The angler intends | | | | artist out and enjoy fishing that much |
| the fish to see a dry grave right | | | | more. Even if you don't catch anything |
| afterward. | | | | you'll have at least one thing to brag |
| The Nymph, for example, is engineered to | | | | about. |