Dry Fly vs. Wet Fly

Every activity has its factions. Fly fishing is no different. It seems promoting a ‘superior’ style fly fishing above another is a badge of honor for some ego-driven enthusiasts. Apparently, it’s common knowledge dry fly anglers are elitist brandy snifter toting snobs and subsurface anglers are backwoods bumpkin dunkers in denial. Regardless of varying opinions on the matter, there’s one little issue we have to consider – the facts.

First, successful angling – regardless of method – is based upon understanding fish behavior and tendencies. Second, there are certain perceptions that have no basis in reality – like stonefly emergers. More importantly, there’s no such thing as a ‘superior’ style of fishing. Each method has unique merits, challenges and disadvantages.

Nymph & Streamer Fishing

Nymphing and streamer fishing requires a keen ability to read water and anticipate holding positions within a stream. Likewise, experienced subsurface anglers have a good understanding of feeding zones – that is, how and where to find prime feeding depths within the water column.

On the flip side, nymphing and streamer fishing is often clumsy, produces a good amount of tangles and snags (if you’re doing it correctly), and requires the least amount of casting ability (chuck and duck). Basically, it’s not very pretty to watch. Multiple flies, split shot, and an indicator doesn’t necessarily conjure images of casting grace and beauty. That said, fishing the subsurface remains a proven and productive method of fly fishing.

Dry Fly & Emerger Fishing

Fishing dries and emergers on the surface (successfully) takes a considerable amount effort. First, the angler must understand the rise form – that is, is the fish on emergers, cripples, duns, spinners? Second, he (or she) must have a solid understanding of entomology and hatch cycles – especially on pressured waters. Finally, casting efficiency is an absolute. Putting the fly in the feeding lane delicately and drag-free requires hours of practice.

Now let’s look at the downside. If you’re waiting to fish a hatch, you may be waiting a while. Sometimes top water fishing is excellent, and at other times it doesn’t happen at all. Hatches can be fickle. Likewise, the best fish in the run are generally the most difficult to catch – either they’re holding in an impossible lie (under over-hanging brush) or they’re extremely selective and spooky.

Any way you cut it, dry fly fishing can manifest an incredible amount of frustration. However, when you finally do fool that slab sipping down cripples, it’s an indescribably gratifying affirmation of effort and persistence…and it looks pretty cool when it happens.

The Bottom Line

The superior method of fishing is the one that matches the conditions – not the one that looks the prettiest or the one that’s perceived as the best by an ego-driven opinion. The point of fishing is to catch fish. Sometimes fish rise and sometimes they don’t. The accomplished angler will understand the existing conditions and will base their fishing methods upon tendencies that produce the greatest probability of success.

Becoming proficient in all styles of fishing is the best way to ensure you get the most out of your experiences on the water.