dry fly

American  

noun

Angling.

1. an artificial fly designed for use on the surface of the water.

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dry fly British  

noun

1. angling Compare wet fly

   1. an artificial fly designed and prepared to be floated or skimmed on the surface of the water

   2. ( as modifier )

      dry-fly fishing

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Etymology

Origin of dry fly

First recorded in 1840–50

Compare meaning

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

• dry fly vs. wet fly

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

dry fly

In New York’s Catskills, the cradle of American dry fly fishing, a total beginner learns the sport—and its history.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 7, 2026

For a fly angler, it’s hard to express the excitement of a large trout taking a large dry fly.

From Washington Post ● Sep. 16, 2021

“Field & Stream” called the LeTort the birthplace of American-style dry fly fishing in a 2014 article.

From Washington Times ● Mar. 5, 2016

For most trout enthusiasts, dry fly fishing represents the pinnacle of the pastime.

From New York Times ● May 11, 2013

I have little faith in color in the dry fly, except light or dark shades.

From How to Tie Flies by Ellery Clark Gregg