wet fly

American  

noun

Angling.

1. an artificial fly designed for use underwater.

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wet fly British  

noun

1. angling Compare dry fly

   1. an artificial fly designed to float or ride below the water surface

   2. ( as modifier )

      wet-fly fishing

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Etymology

Origin of wet fly

First recorded in 1870–75

Compare meaning

How does wet-fly compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• dry fly vs. wet fly

Example Sentences

The soft hackle makes it a wet fly; you fish it beneath the surface.

From The New Yorker • Sep. 12, 2016

First tried a dry fly, then tried a wet fly, Then tried a worm and he caught six or eight.

From Time Magazine Archive

One of 16 alternative sections in Physical Education 12A, a required course for sophomores, it offered instruction three hours a week in the art of casting the dry and wet fly.

From Time Magazine Archive

Author Bergman caught trout on a wet fly by allowing it to sink, judging the depth by counting to a certain number, then striking on the supposition that a fish had taken his fly.

From Time Magazine Archive

These imitations have met, both in my hands and in the hands of others, with greater success than any other form of wet fly.

From Old Flies in New Dresses How to Dress Dry Flies with the Wings in the Natural Position and Some New Wet Flies by Walker, Charles Edward