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

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Compare meaning

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

• dry fly vs. wet fly

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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

Catching trout with a dry fly is one of fly-fishing’s great satisfactions.

From Washington Post ● Aug. 13, 2022

He caught 10 small but eager rainbows on a dry fly version of the Coch-y-bondu, one every few casts.

From Washington Times ● Aug. 15, 2015

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

From New York Times ● May 11, 2013

Nor does the accomplished expert with the dry fly disdain with fat of deer to grease his line, nor with paraffin to dress his fly and make it float.

From A Cotswold Village by J. Arthur Gibbs

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