wet fly

American  

noun

Angling.

1. an artificial fly designed for use underwater.

---

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

---

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

There is the bobo, or bubblefish, an elusive silverside that dwells in the rapids and attacks a wet fly like something good to eat.

From Time Magazine Archive

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

Place the concave sides together and tie in the butt ends the same as for a wet fly.

From How to Tie Flies by Gregg, Ellery Clark