How to Tie Wet Fishing Flies

Wet flies are designed to attract fish under the water rather than on top. These flies may imitate a wide variety of attractors such as small minnows and a variety of insects. Wet flies typically feature materials such as feathers, animal hairs and yarn bodies. Designed to sink, wet flies are tied close to the hook with the materials swept back at a 45 degree or so angle to help move down and through the water.

Things You'll Need

  • Fly vice
  • Fly tying materials such as feathers, hairs, yarns and thread
  • Fly hooks
  • Bobbin holder (for thread)
  • Scissors
  • Nail polish
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place a hook in the vice with the bend of the hook in the vice jaws. The shank, or long part, of the hook should be on top and the barb and point should be on the bottom.

    • 2

      Place yarn along the shank of the hook and secure with the fly tying thread. Wrap the yarn allowing some of the yarn fibers to show through. To add hairs on the body of the fly, place as needed and wrap the thread back down the body of the fly.

    • 3

      Place feathers of appropriate length and color near the eye of the hook and secure with the thread. The feathers should be swept back toward the bend of the hook and located just above or next to the shank.

    • 4

      Wrap the thread around the shank just below the eye for several turns to create a head. Use a sharp pencil or other small point to help in tying a simple over hand knot. Make sure the knot is secure to avoid unwinding.

    • 5

      Add extra weight to the head of the fly by dabbing with nail polish. Use clear or for realism or attractant purposes use nail polish in a color. This step will also help seal the threads and prevent unwinding.