The Best Anglers Never Stop Learning

The Best Anglers Never Stop Learning

Keeping Your Dry Fly Floating Longer

Question

I love dry fly fishing, but no matter what I do, my flies end up sinking after a few casts. It’s super frustrating when I’m in the middle of a hatch. What can I do to keep my dry flies floating longer?

Answer by:

Dave Karczynski
Dave Karczynski
Writer & Educator
21 Years of Experience

Nothing kills the dry fly vibe like a sinking pattern! Here are some tips to keep your fly riding high:

1.Use Floatant Properly: Before you even wet your fly, apply a gel floatant. Focus on the hackle and wings, but don’t overdo it—you don’t want a gloopy mess.

2.Dry Your Fly Often: After every couple of casts, pinch your fly gently in an amadou patch or use a drying powder to wick away moisture.

3.Pick Better Flies: Look for patterns tied with high-floating materials like CDC, deer hair, or foam. These are naturally buoyant and need less maintenance.

4.Keep Your Tippet Dry: If your tippet sinks, it can pull your fly under. Use a line treatment to help it float, or coat the last few inches with floatant.

With these adjustments, you’ll spend more time fishing and less time fixing soggy flies

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