Hook Types for Fly Fishing

Size matters when it comes to hook types for fly fishing. Using the right size hook is the most important thing followed by using the correct pattern that will attract a wary trout. There are basically three types of hooks used for fly fishing: dry fly, wet fly and streamer hooks.

  1. Dry Fly Hook

    • A dry fly hook is used for floating patterns.

      Dry fly hooks are used in patterns that represent mayflies and terrestrial insects that usually range in size from the large number eight down to the tiny midge size number 28. The most popular sizes for dry fly fishing are 14 and 16 and will accommodate almost all dry fly patterns. Because they are intended to float on the surface of the water, standard dry fly hooks are made of very light metal.

    Wet Fly Hook

    • A wet fly is meant to be fished underwater.

      Since it is meant to be fished underwater, a wet fly hook is heavier than a dry fly hook and is used in patterns representing emerging mayflies and nymphs. Most wet fly hooks are used in sizes from number 12 to 16.

    Streamer Hook

    • A streamer hook is large and heavy.

      A streamer hook is another underwater hook that is usually longer, larger and heavier than a wet fly hook. Streamers are meant to represent minnows and fry of other fish. Sizes for most popular patterns run from two to 14.

    Barbed and Barbless

    • Some streams only allow the use of barbless hooks.

      Catch and release has become very popular with many fly fisherman, which means returning any fish caught back into the stream or lake unharmed. As a way of minimizing injury and trauma to the fish, a barbless hook of any type is used so that it can be easily removed from the fish's mouth. The barb has been flattened with pliers or has been filed down. However, catching and landing a fish using a barbless hook is more difficult since the hook can easily come free from a jumping or thrashing fish.