Glossary
The language of fly fishing, defined plainly and grouped the way it is actually used. Search for what you heard on the boat.
Aquatic insects (7)
- Caddisflyalso Caddis, Sedge, Sedge flyA caddisfly is a common freshwater insect that trout and other fish eat in its larva, pupa, and adult stages. Many species live in streams and rivers, and their hatches can drive steady feeding.
- Craneflyalso Crane fly, Crane-flyA cranefly is a long-legged fly whose larvae live in wet soil, stream edges, or slow water. The larva is a common food item for trout in some waters.
- Damselflyalso Damsel, Damselfly nymphA damselfly is an odonate insect whose juvenile stage lives in water and is a common food source for trout, bass, and panfish, especially in lakes and slow water.
- Dragonflyalso Dragonfly nymphA dragonfly is a large predatory insect. Trout and bass eat the underwater nymph stage, and bass sometimes take the adults.
- Mayflyalso Ephemeroptera, mayfliesA mayfly is a freshwater insect with aquatic nymph stages that trout and other fish eat in every stage of its life cycle, from nymph to dun to spinner.
- Midgealso Chironomid, Midge flyA midge is a small two-winged fly; in fly fishing it often means a chironomid. Most of their larvae and pupae live in water. Midges hatch in every month on many rivers and lakes, and trout eat them year-round.
- Stoneflyalso Stonefly nymph, PlecopteraStoneflies are aquatic insects whose young live mostly in moving water and whose nymphs crawl out to emerge. They are an important trout food, especially where big species like salmonflies and golden stones are present.
Baitfish (7)
- Baitfishalso forage fish, minnowSmall forage fish that predators eat, like minnows, shad, smelt, and mullet. In fly fishing, “baitfish” also means the food source a streamer is meant to imitate.
- Dacealso Common dace, Dace minnowDace are slim minnows that live in rivers and streams. They are common prey for trout and other freshwater predators.
- Glass minnowalso glass minnows, glass minnow flyA “glass minnow” is a small, nearly transparent baitfish common in saltwater. In fly fishing, it also means any slim, see-through minnow imitation meant to match that look.
- Mulletalso Grey mullet, Striped mullet, Finger mulletMullet are common coastal baitfish that travel in schools over flats, beaches, and estuaries. They are a major food source for predators like snook, tarpon, and striped bass.
- Sculpinalso Sculpin baitfish, Freshwater sculpin, Sculpin patternA sculpin is a small bottom-dwelling fish with a wide head and big pectoral fins. Trout and bass eat them, and many streamers are tied to imitate their shape and movement.
- Shineralso shiners, shiner minnow“Shiner” is a common name for several silvery minnows that live in freshwater and get eaten by trout, bass, pike, and other predators.
- Smeltalso Rainbow smeltSmelt are slender, schooling baitfish that live in cold freshwater and anadromous systems. They are a key forage for trout, salmon, and lake trout in many lakes and some rivers.
Beads, eyes & weight (2)
- Dumbbell eyesalso barbell eyes, lead eyes, brass eyesA pair of metal balls joined by a short bar, tied onto a hook shank to add weight and act as eyes. Common on saltwater and baitfish flies where a jigging, hook-point-up ride matters.
- Tungsten beadalso Tungsten beadhead, Tungsten bead headA tungsten bead is a small, heavy metal bead tied on a hook to add weight and help a fly sink faster.
Boats & access (2)
- Drift boatalso driftboat, McKenzie boat, doryA drift boat is a shallow river boat built to float downstream while the rower controls speed and direction with oars. Anglers fish from the boat.
- Raftalso Fishing raft, Inflatable raft, Whitewater raftA raft is an inflatable boat used to float a river and fish from, either by rowing or by having a guide row while anglers cast.
Core casts (4)
- Backcastalso back cast, back-castThe backcast is the backward part of an overhead cast, where the rod loads and the fly line unrolls behind you before the forward cast.
- False castalso false castingExtra back-and-forth casting in the air, without the fly landing, used to lengthen line, change direction, or dry and straighten the line before a presentation.
- Overhead castalso standard cast, basic fly castThe standard fly cast where the rod moves back and forward over your shoulder to form a loop and carry line through the air.
- Roll castalso Roll castingA roll cast is a fly cast made without a backcast, using the line on the water to load the rod and roll the loop forward.
Crustaceans & worms (6)
- Crabalso crab fly, crab patternA crab is a hard-shelled crustacean that lives on flats, beaches, and mangrove edges. Many saltwater gamefish key on crabs, so crab patterns are a standard part of flats fishing.
- Crayfishalso Crawdad, CrawfishA crayfish is a freshwater crustacean that looks like a small lobster. Trout, bass, and carp eat them, and many streamers are tied to imitate their shape and movement.
- Leechalso Leech pattern, Leech flyA leech is a freshwater worm-like invertebrate that swims with an undulating motion and lives in lakes, ponds, and slow river edges. Fly patterns that imitate leeches are usually fished subsurface.
- Scudalso Freshwater shrimp, AmphipodA scud is a small freshwater crustacean, usually a side-swimming amphipod. Trout and other fish eat them year-round, especially in spring creeks, tailwaters, and lakes.
- Shrimpalso shrimp pattern, shrimp flyShrimp are small crustaceans that many flats and inshore fish eat. “Shrimp” also refers to fly patterns tied to imitate their shape, color, and quick darting movement.
- Sowbugalso Freshwater sowbug, Sow bugA sowbug is a small freshwater crustacean, similar to a scud, that trout eat year-round where it’s abundant.
Drift & line control (6)
- Dead driftalso Drag-free driftA dead drift is a drift where the fly moves at the same speed and direction as the current, with no pull from the fly line.
- Dragalso line drag, micro dragDrag is unwanted pull from current on your fly line or leader that makes the fly move unnaturally during a drift.
- Drag-free driftalso Natural drift, Dead driftA drift where the current carries the fly at the same speed and direction as the water around it, with no pull from line or leader.
- High-stickingalso Short-line nymphingA short-line nymphing technique where you hold the rod high and keep most of the fly line off the water to reduce drag and stay in direct contact.
- Mendingalso Line mend, Upstream mend, Downstream mendMending is repositioning fly line on the water during a drift to reduce drag and keep the fly moving naturally.
- Presentationalso fly presentationPresentation is how the fly lands, drifts, and moves in the water, including how the line and leader behave around it.
Dry fly patterns (14)
- Adamsalso Parachute AdamsA classic mayfly imitation dry fly with a gray body and mixed brown-and-grizzly hackle. It’s a general-purpose “searching” pattern when you don’t know the exact hatch.
- Ant patternalso ant fly, flying ant pattern, black ant flyA dry fly tied to imitate a real ant that has ended up in the water. Most are small, dark, and low-floating, with a narrow “waist” between body segments.
- Beetle patternalso beetle fly, foam beetle, terrestrial beetleA beetle pattern is a dry fly that imitates a terrestrial beetle on the surface. Most versions use foam or hair to float and a simple dark profile to suggest a real bug.
- Catskill dry flyalso Catskill-style dry fly, Catskill dryA Catskill dry fly is a classic, high-riding mayfly-style dry with an upright divided wing and stiff hackle wrapped around the hook shank.
- Chubby Chernobylalso Chubby, Chubby Chernobyl hopperA high-floating foam dry fly that suggests big terrestrials like hoppers and stoneflies. Often used as a visible “attractor” dry, sometimes with a second fly tied off the bend.
- Comparadunalso Comparadun wing, No-hackle dunA Comparadun is a mayfly imitation tied without hackle, using a flared deer-hair wing and a tapered body to sit low and look like a dun.
- Cripplealso cripple pattern, crippled dun, emerger crippleA cripple is an adult insect imitation tied to look stuck mid-hatch, with a shuck, splayed wing, or a low-riding body that can’t fully take off.
- Elk Hair Caddisalso Elk Hair CaddisflyA buoyant caddis adult imitation tied with elk hair for the wing. It’s a standard dry fly for caddis hatches and as a general searching pattern.
- Hopper patternalso Grasshopper pattern, Hopper flyA hopper pattern is a buoyant dry fly tied to imitate a grasshopper or other big land insect that falls into the water. It’s fished as a visible “big meal” dry, often tight to banks in summer.
- Klinkhammeralso Klinkhamer, Klinkhåmer, KlinkA Klinkhammer is a parachute-style emerger that rides with the post and hackle on the surface while the abdomen hangs below in the film.
- Parachutealso Parachute dry, Parachute hackleA parachute is a dry-fly style with the hackle wrapped horizontally around a post, so the fly rides low and stays visible.
- Royal Wulffalso Wulff, Royal Wulff dry flyA high-floating attractor dry fly with a white calf-tail wing and a red “royal” band. It’s fished when trout are looking up but not keyed on one specific hatch.
- Spinneralso Mayfly spinner, Spent spinner, Spent-wing mayflyA spinner is a dry fly that imitates an adult mayfly after it has mated and fallen spent on the water, usually with wings laid flat to the sides.
- Stimulatoralso Stonefly dry, Stonefly imitation, Caddis dryA high-floating, bushy dry fly that suggests big stoneflies and large caddis. It’s commonly used as a searching pattern and as a buoyant top fly in a dry-dropper rig.
Egg & worm patterns (5)
- Egg patternalso Egg flyAn egg pattern is a fly that imitates a drifting salmonid egg or a small cluster of eggs. It is most often used for trout and steelhead in rivers below spawning fish.
- Mop flyalso Mop, Mop nymphA mop fly is a chenille-bodied nymph tied from microfiber “mop” material, usually with a heavy bead to sink fast.
- San Juan Wormalso Worm fly, Chenille wormA San Juan Worm is a simple chenille worm imitation used as a nymph, usually dead-drifted near the bottom for trout and other freshwater fish.
- Squirmy Wormyalso Squirmy, Squirmy wormA Squirmy Wormy is a worm imitation tied with stretchy “squirmy” material that wiggles with very little current. It’s most often used as a weighted nymph under a strike indicator or in a tight-line setup.
- Sucker spawnalso sucker spawn fly, sucker spawn eggA sucker spawn is an egg pattern that imitates loose eggs drifting downstream after suckers spawn. It’s usually tied as a small cluster of eggs rather than a single bead.
Finding & approaching fish (1)
Fish populations (1)
Flash & synthetics (3)
- Chenillealso chenille yarn, micro chenille, medium chenille, large chenilleA fuzzy, cord-like synthetic tying material wrapped on a hook shank to build a fast, bulky body. It comes in many colors and sizes, from fine to extra thick.
- Flashaboualso Flashabou tinsel, flash material, flashA synthetic flash material used in fly tying. It comes as long, thin strands that add sparkle and a bit of movement to a fly.
- Krystal Flashalso Crystal FlashA synthetic flash material used in fly tying. It’s sold as fine, twisted strands and tied in as an accent in tails, wings, bodies, or throats.
Flats & coastline (3)
- Backcountryalso back country, back baysRemote flats and shoreline water reached by long runs, hiking, or shallow-draft skiffs, usually away from marinas and crowds.
- Estuaryalso River mouth, Tidal riverA partly enclosed coastal water where freshwater from a river mixes with seawater. Salinity, temperature, and current direction shift with tide, wind, and river flow.
- Mangrovealso mangrove shoreline, mangrove island, mangrove rootsA mangrove is a salt-tolerant coastal tree that grows in shallow tidal water and forms dense shorelines and islands.
Flats species (6)
- Bonefishalso bone, bonesA bonefish is a fast, silvery flats fish that feeds by tailing and rooting for shrimp, crabs, and small baitfish in shallow saltwater.
- Giant trevallyalso GT, Caranx ignobilisA giant trevally (GT) is a large, powerful jack found on tropical reefs and flats. It is a top predator that eats baitfish and other marine life in very shallow water and along drop-offs.
- Grand slamalso flats grand slam, saltwater grand slam, fly fishing grand slamA grand slam is a catch list, usually three flats species landed in one day, as defined by a specific fishery, lodge, or tournament.
- MilkfishMilkfish are large, silvery tropical fish that graze on algae and other fine food. They are a fly target on flats and off reef edges, known for long, fast runs on fly tackle.
- Permitalso Trachinotus falcatusPermit are powerful flats fish in the jack family that feed heavily on crabs and shrimp. They are known for being selective and for demanding accurate presentations in shallow water.
- Tarponalso Silver kingA tarpon is a large, air-breathing saltwater fish found in warm coastal waters and on flats. It is famous for long runs and jumps after the hook set.
Fly lines (8)
- BackingBacking is thin, strong line spooled onto a fly reel under the fly line. It adds extra length for long runs and helps the fly line fit the reel correctly.
- Floating linealso Floating fly line, FloaterA floating line is a fly line designed to ride on top of the water. It is the standard choice for dry flies, indicators, and many shallow nymph and streamer setups.
- Fly linealso Fly fishing lineThe fly line is the thick, weighted line that loads the fly rod and carries the cast. It connects the reel and backing to the leader.
- Intermediate linealso Intermediate sinking line, Slow-sinking line, Clear intermediate lineAn intermediate line is a slow-sinking fly line that fishes just below the surface instead of floating high or dropping fast.
- Running linealso shooting lineThe running line is the thin, level section behind a fly line’s head. It carries little weight, and its job is to shoot through the guides for distance.
- Shooting headalso head system, shooting head systemA shooting head is a short, heavy front section of fly line that’s cast with a thin running line behind it, usually connected with loops.
- Sink tipalso sink-tip line, sink tip lineA sink tip is a fly line with a floating rear section and a sinking front section. It helps get flies down while keeping the cast and line control of a floating line.
- Sinking linealso Full sinking line, Full sinkA sinking line is a fly line built to sink below the surface so you can fish deeper without adding as much weight.
Fly types (5)
- Dry flyalso Dry, Dry fly pattern, Surface flyA dry fly is a floating fly meant to be fished on the surface, where you can see it and the take.
- Emergeralso Emerger patternA fly that imitates an aquatic insect in the act of emerging, partway between nymph or pupa and a dry fly. It is fished in or just under the surface film, where trout often feed.
- Nymphalso Nymph flyA nymph is a subsurface fly meant to imitate an aquatic insect in its immature stage, or a small food item drifting in the current. Nymphs are fished with or without weight, an indicator, or tight-line methods.
- StreamerA streamer is a fly meant to be moved to imitate a baitfish, leech, sculpin, or crayfish. It is often fished with strips, swings, or a steady retrieve, but it can also be dead-drifted.
- TerrestrialA terrestrial is a fly that imitates a land insect that ends up on or in the water, like an ant, beetle, or grasshopper.
Getting there (1)
Grayling & whitefish (2)
- Arctic graylingalso Thymallus arcticus, graylingA freshwater salmonid known for its tall, sail-like dorsal fin and soft, delicate mouth. Grayling live in cold northern waters and feed heavily on drifting insects.
- Whitefishalso Mountain whitefish, Round whitefishWhitefish are freshwater fish in the salmon family (Salmonidae) that feed heavily on insects and small invertebrates. They are often caught on nymphs while targeting trout.
Hackle & feathers (3)
- CDCalso Cul de canardCDC is the soft feather from a duck’s preen gland area. Tiers use it for wings, collars, and bodies on dry flies and emergers because it floats and moves easily.
- Hacklealso hackle feather, dry fly hackle, rooster hackle, hen hackleHackle is feather fiber used on a fly, either wrapped around the hook or tied in as a collar or wing. It adds movement, buoyancy, and the outline of legs.
- MarabouA soft, fluffy feather used in fly tying to add motion and bulk with very little weight, most often in streamers and leech patterns.
Hair & fur (2)
- Bucktailalso buck tail, bucktail hair, deer tail hairBucktail is deer tail hair used as a fly-tying material, most often for streamer wings. It sheds water, flares under thread pressure, and holds a tapered shape.
- Deer hairalso spinning deer hair, stacking deer hairDeer hair is hollow, buoyant hair used in fly tying for dry-fly wings, spun bodies, and packed heads. It flares under thread tension and can be trimmed into shape.
Handling fish (1)
Hauling & distance (3)
- Double haulalso double-haul, double haulingA double haul is a fly-casting technique where you pull on the fly line with your line hand on both the backcast and the forward cast to increase line speed.
- Shooting linealso mono running line, running lineA shooting line is a thin, slick running line that slides through the guides after the cast to add distance. It is used with a separate shooting head or integrated head system.
- Single haulA single haul is one deliberate pull on the line hand during either the backcast or the forward cast to increase line speed.
Hooks (1)
Indicators & weight (3)
- Sighteralso Euro sighter, sighter section, bi-color sighterA sighter is a short, high-visibility section built into a leader, used to track drift and detect strikes by watching the leader instead of a floating indicator.
- Split shotalso shot, pinch-on weight, split-shot weightSplit shot are small, pinch-on lead or non-lead weights added to a leader to make a nymph rig sink faster and track deeper.
- Strike indicatoralso bobber, nymph indicator, float indicatorA strike indicator is a small float or marker on the leader that shows takes and depth while nymphing. It moves, stalls, dips, or shoots sideways when the flies get bumped or eaten.
Inshore & coastal (9)
- BonitoBonito are small tuna relatives that hunt baitfish in fast-moving schools along coasts and offshore structure. On the fly they are a speed-and-distance target, known for long runs and quick direction changes.
- Cobiaalso Ling, LemonfishA cobia is a powerful coastal saltwater fish that cruises near structure and often follows rays, sharks, or boats. Fly anglers target them by sight-casting baitfish and crab patterns.
- False albacorealso Albie, Albies, Little tunny, False albacore tunaA fast, schooling tuna relative that feeds in blitzes near the surface along coasts. On the fly, it is targeted with small baitfish streamers and quick retrieves.
- Jack crevallealso crevalle jack, jack, common jackA jack crevalle is a hard-fighting coastal jack that travels in schools and feeds aggressively on baitfish in bays, passes, and nearshore surf.
- Mahi-mahialso Dolphinfish, DoradoMahi-mahi is a fast-growing, open-ocean game fish, also called dolphinfish. Fly anglers target it around floating structure like weed lines, debris, and buoys.
- Redfishalso Red drum, Red, Channel bassRedfish are inshore saltwater gamefish, also called red drum, that feed on shrimp, crabs, and baitfish across flats, marshes, and shorelines.
- Roosterfishalso RoosterA roosterfish is a hard-fighting inshore gamefish known for the tall “comb” of dorsal spines it raises when excited or feeding.
- Snookalso Common snook, RobaloSnook are warmwater inshore gamefish that live around mangroves, docks, beaches, and tidal rivers in the western Atlantic, the Gulf of Mexico, and the eastern Pacific.
- Striped bassalso Striper, RockfishA striped bass is a large, migratory fish that lives mostly in saltwater, feeds heavily on baitfish, and is a major target for fly anglers along the Atlantic coast.
Leaders & tippet (5)
- Fluorocarbonalso Fluoro, Fluorocarbon tippet, Fluorocarbon leaderFluorocarbon is a clear leader or tippet material made from PVDF. It sinks more readily than nylon and is valued for abrasion resistance.
- Leaderalso Fly leader, Tapered leaderThe leader is the clear, tapered line between the fly line and the fly. It turns the fly over and gives you a clean, controlled presentation.
- Tapered leaderalso tapered monofilament leader, knotless leader, knotless tapered leaderA tapered leader is a pre-built leader that gets thinner from the fly line end to the tippet end. The taper helps transfer energy from the cast so the fly turns over and lands with less splash.
- Tippetalso Tippet materialTippet is the thin, level line tied to the end of your leader. It’s the section you cut back and replace as you change flies and re-tie knots.
- Tippet ringalso leader ringA tippet ring is a tiny metal ring tied to the end of a leader so you can add and replace tippet without shortening the leader.
Life stages (5)
- Dunalso Mayfly dun, SubimagoA dun is the newly emerged, winged subimago stage of a mayfly, right after it leaves the water and before it becomes a spinner.
- Hatchalso Insect hatch, Bug hatchA hatch is a period when aquatic insects emerge in numbers, often bringing trout into a steady feeding rhythm.
- Larvaalso Insect larva, Midge larva, Caddis larvaAn aquatic insect’s immature stage for insects with complete metamorphosis, like midges and caddisflies.
- Pupaalso Pupae, Pupal stageA pupa is the in-between life stage where some aquatic insects transform from larva to adult. In trout fishing, “pupa” usually points to caddisflies and midges as they rise toward the surface to emerge.
- Spinner fallalso Mayfly spinner fallA spinner fall is when adult mayflies return to the water to lay eggs, and many end up dying and drifting downstream.
Line-to-line knots (7)
- Albright knotalso Albright, Albright special, Improved AlbrightA line-to-line knot that joins a heavier line to a lighter one by wrapping the lighter line around a loop in the heavier line. Common for tying backing to fly line and for connecting different-diameter mono or fluoro.
- Blood knotalso barrel knotA blood knot is a line-to-line knot used to join two pieces of similar-diameter mono or fluorocarbon, most often leader to tippet.
- Double surgeon's knotalso Double surgeon knotA double surgeon’s knot is a quick line-to-line knot for joining two pieces of leader or tippet. It uses two wraps through an overhand loop to add grip and strength.
- Double uni knotalso Uni-to-uni knot, Double uni, Uni knot to uni knotA line-to-line knot made by tying two uni knots back-to-back and snugging them together. It’s commonly used to join leader to tippet, or mono to fluorocarbon.
- Surgeon's knotalso Surgeon knotA surgeon’s knot is a quick line-to-line knot used to join leader and tippet, or to build a dropper tag for a second fly.
- Triple surgeon's knotalso Triple surgeonA triple surgeon’s knot is a line-to-line knot made by tying a surgeon’s knot with three wraps through the loop instead of two. It’s used to join leader and tippet, especially when the diameters are different.
- Uni knotA Uni knot is a sliding, multi-wrap knot used to join two lines or to form a loop. Tied as a “double uni,” it’s a common way to connect leader sections and tippet.
Lodges & guides (3)
- Ghilliealso gillieA ghillie is a river attendant, common on UK and Irish salmon and trout beats, who helps anglers with access, local rules, and fishing logistics.
- Guidealso Fishing guide, Fly fishing guide, Professional guideA guide is a professional angler hired to lead a fishing day, manage logistics and safety, and help clients find and catch fish.
- Lodgealso fishing lodge, fly fishing lodgeA lodge is a hosted base for a fly-fishing trip, usually bundling lodging, meals, and daily guided fishing.
Loops & line-to-reel (5)
- Arbor knotA simple knot used to attach backing to the reel spool arbor. It tightens under tension so the backing grips the spool instead of slipping.
- Dropper loopalso dropper loop knotA dropper loop is a knot that creates a loop sticking out at a right angle from the main line, so you can attach a tag or a second fly without cutting the line.
- Loop-to-loop connectionalso loop to loop, loop-to-loop, loop connection, leader loop connectionA loop-to-loop connection joins two lines by passing each loop through the other, then pulling tight. It is commonly used to attach a leader to a looped fly line or a sink tip to a running line.
- Nail knotA nail knot is a compact line-to-line knot used to attach fly line to backing, or to tie a butt section or leader directly to fly line.
- Perfection loopalso Angler's loopA Perfection loop is a small, inline fixed loop knot used to form a clean loop in leader or tippet material for loop-to-loop connections.
Loops & mechanics (3)
- Loopalso Casting loopThe loop is the U-shape in the line that forms during a cast and travels away from the rod tip. Its size and shape control speed, accuracy, and how the line turns over.
- Tailing loopA tailing loop is a casting fault where the top leg of the loop crosses under the bottom leg, often leading to a wind knot.
- Tight loopalso narrow loopA tight loop is a narrow, compact casting loop that unrolls with less side-to-side wobble than an open loop.
Mayfly hatches (8)
- Blue-winged olivealso BWO, Baetis, Blue wing olive, Blue-wing olive“Blue-winged olive” (BWO) is the common fly-fishing name for several small mayflies in the Baetis group. Anglers use it to describe the hatch and the flies used to match it.
- Green drakealso Green Drake, Green drake hatch, Green drakesA “green drake” is a large mayfly hatch that can bring trout to the surface for big dry flies, especially in late spring and early summer. The name is used for several similar-looking mayfly species depending on the region.
- Hendricksonalso Ephemerella subvaria, Red Quill, Hendrickson hatchA Hendrickson is a spring mayfly hatch best known on Eastern trout rivers. Anglers use the name for the insects and for fly patterns that match their duns and spinners.
- Hexageniaalso Hex, Hex hatchHexagenia are large burrowing mayflies (the “hex” hatch). Their nymphs live in soft-bottom lakes and slow rivers, and the adults can bring big trout up to feed after dark.
- March brownalso March Browns, March Brown hatch“March brown” is a common name for several medium-to-large spring mayflies and the hatch events tied to them. The name can mean different species depending on region.
- Pale morning dunalso PMD, Pale Morning DunsA “Pale Morning Dun” (PMD) is a common mayfly hatch made up of small, pale yellow mayflies. Anglers use PMD nymph, emerger, dun, and spinner patterns to match it.
- Sulphuralso Sulfur, Sulphur hatch, Sulfur hatch, Ephemerella sulphur“Sulphur” is a common hatch label for small yellow mayflies, most often in the genus Ephemerella. Anglers use it to match pale yellow duns and their evening spinner falls on many trout rivers.
- Tricoalso Tricorythodes, Trico hatch, Trico spinner fallTrico is a tiny mayfly (genus Tricorythodes) best known for dense summer morning hatches and spinner falls. On many trout rivers it brings selective fish and fine-tippet dry-fly fishing.
Multi-fly rigs (1)
Nymph patterns (10)
- Beadheadalso bead head, beaded nymphA beadhead is a fly tied with a metal or tungsten bead at the front. The bead adds weight and a little flash, helping a nymph sink and ride hook-point down.
- Copper Johnalso Copper John nymphA Copper John is a weighted beadhead nymph with a wire-wrapped body and a bright wingcase. It’s used to get down fast and show a little flash in the drift.
- Hare's Ear Nymphalso Hares Ear, Hare’s Ear, Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear, GRHEA classic, buggy nymph pattern meant to suggest a range of mayfly nymphs and other small aquatic insects. Usually tied with hare’s mask dubbing and often with a rib and a bead.
- Jig nymphalso jigged nymph, jig hook nymphA nymph tied on a jig-style hook so it rides point-up, usually with a bead at the eye. Built to get down and drift with fewer bottom snags.
- North Country spideralso North Country Spider, North Country wet fly, spider, spider flyA North Country spider is a sparse soft-hackle wet fly from Northern England, tied on a small hook with a slim body and a short, mobile hackle to suggest emerging insects.
- Perdigonalso Perdigone nymph, Perdigon nymphA Perdigon is a slim, heavily weighted nymph with a smooth, glossy body (often UV resin) built to sink fast and track near the bottom.
- Pheasant Tail Nymphalso PTN, Pheasant Tail, Pheasant Tail Nymph (PTN)A slim, buggy nymph pattern tied with pheasant tail fibers, usually to imitate mayfly nymphs. It’s a standard “search” nymph for trout and other freshwater fish.
- Prince Nymphalso Prince, Beadhead Prince, BH Prince NymphA Prince Nymph is a beadhead attractor nymph with a peacock body and two white biots for wings. It’s fished subsurface to suggest a range of aquatic insects rather than one exact hatch.
- Soft hacklealso Soft-hackle, Soft hackle wet fly, Soft-hackled wet fly, Soft hackle nymphA soft hackle is a lightly dressed wet fly with a soft, swept-back feather collar that pulses in the current. It’s fished under the surface to suggest an emerging insect or a small drifting bug.
- Zebra Midgealso Zebra midge nymphA Zebra Midge is a small, slim midge-larva or pupa imitation, usually tied with a ribbed body and a bead. It’s a common choice for trout feeding on tiny insects.
Nymphing (3)
- Czech nymphingalso Czech-style nymphingA tight-line nymphing style built around short drifts, heavy nymphs, and a high rod angle to keep most of the line off the current.
- Dry-dropperalso Dry dropper, Dry/dropper, Hopper-dropperA two-fly rig where a dry fly is tied on top and a nymph hangs below it on a dropper. The dry fly serves as the visible fly and often as the strike indicator.
- Euro nymphingalso European nymphing, Tight-line nymphing, Euro style nymphingA tight-line nymphing method that uses a long rod, a thin leader with a sighter, and weighted nymphs to keep direct contact through the drift.
Packs & storage (7)
- Chest packalso front pack, fly fishing chest packA chest pack is a small tackle pack worn high on the front of your torso, usually held by shoulder straps or a harness. It keeps fly boxes and tools within easy reach while wading.
- Fly boxalso fly case, fly storage boxA fly box is a small case that holds flies in organized compartments or foam so they stay dry, protected, and easy to find on the water.
- Hip packalso waist pack, fanny pack, lumbar packA hip pack is a waist-worn pack that carries fly-fishing gear at your beltline, usually with zippered compartments and attachment points for tools.
- Reel casealso fly reel case, reel pouch, reel bag, reel coverA reel case is a protective cover for a fly reel, used for storage and travel to prevent dings, abrasion, and grit from getting into the reel.
- Rod tubealso fly rod tube, rod case, fly rod case, rod travel tubeA rod tube is a rigid case that protects a fly rod during travel and storage. It keeps rod sections from being bent, crushed, or chipped in transit.
- Sling packalso sling bag, sling pack fly fishing, crossbody packA sling pack is a one-strap fishing pack worn across the body, with the bag riding on your back or hip. It swings to the front for access without taking it off.
- Slit foamSlit foam is a block or panel of dense foam with narrow slits that hold flies by the hook bend. It’s used in fly boxes and some packs as quick-access fly storage.
Presentation casts (6)
- Belgian castalso oval castA Belgian cast is a continuous casting stroke that keeps the line moving in an oval path, with a sidearm backcast and an overhead forward cast. It’s used to keep heavy or wind-resistant flies from crossing the rod tip and angler.
- Bow and arrow castalso bow-and-arrow cast, slingshot castA close-range cast where you bend the rod with the line and fly, then release it to shoot the fly forward. It’s used when there’s no room for a backcast, like under brush or in a tight pocket.
- Curve castalso Curved castA curve cast is a presentation cast that lands the leader and fly in a deliberate curve instead of a straight line.
- Reach castalso Reach mendA reach cast is an aerial mend, you extend the rod to one side as the line straightens so the fly lands with slack and the right line angle for the drift.
- Steeple castalso High backcast, Vertical backcastA steeple cast is a high, near-vertical backcast that sends the line up and over an obstacle behind you before the forward cast.
- Tuck castalso TuckA tuck cast is a forward cast finished with a deliberate “tuck” that kicks the leader over so the fly and tippet land first, with slack behind them.
Reels (1)
Retrieves & hook sets (3)
- Hand-twist retrievealso hand twist retrieve, twist retrieveA retrieve where the line hand rolls the line between finger and thumb to pull it in as a steady series of short, controlled increments.
- Strip setalso strip strikeA strip set is a hook set made by pulling the fly line hard with the line hand while keeping the rod low, instead of lifting the rod tip.
- Strippingalso line retrieve, strip retrieveStripping is retrieving fly line by pulling it in with your line hand. It’s used to move the fly, manage slack, and stay ready to set the hook.
River anatomy (2)
River types (5)
- Chalk streamalso ChalkstreamA chalk stream is a spring-fed river that rises from chalk bedrock, with clear water, steady flows, and weed beds over clean gravel.
- Oxbowalso Oxbow lake, Cutoff meander, Abandoned meanderA river bend that has been cut off from the main channel, forming a U-shaped lake or slow side channel. Some oxbows stay connected during high water, others become fully isolated.
- Side channelalso braid, braided channel, secondary channelA side channel is a smaller branch of a river that splits off from the main flow and rejoins it downstream, or continues as a secondary braid.
- Spring creekalso Spring-fed creek, Spring-fed streamA spring creek is a stream fed mainly by groundwater from springs, so flow and temperature stay relatively steady and clear.
- Tailwateralso tailwater riverA tailwater is a river reach below a dam where flows and temperatures are controlled by reservoir releases.
Rods (3)
- Fly rodalso fly fishing rodA fly rod is a flexible rod built to cast the weight of a fly line, not the weight of the fly. Its line weight rating and action determine how it loads, casts, and fights fish.
- Spey rodA Spey rod is a two-handed fly rod built for Spey casting, using a long rod and a water-anchored cast to deliver flies with less backcast room.
- Switch rodalso switch rod fly rod, switch rod fly fishing, short Spey rodA switch rod is a short two-handed fly rod meant to be cast with one or two hands, often using Spey-style casts in tight quarters.
Salmon & steelhead (7)
- Atlantic salmonalso Salmo salarA migratory salmon native to the North Atlantic that hatches in rivers, grows in the ocean, then returns to freshwater to spawn.
- Chinook salmonalso King salmon, KingChinook salmon are the largest Pacific salmon species. They are anadromous, they hatch in freshwater, grow in the ocean, then return to rivers to spawn.
- Chum salmonalso Dog salmon, Chum, Dogs, Oncorhynchus ketaChum salmon are an anadromous Pacific salmon species, Oncorhynchus keta, known for strong runs and aggressive behavior in freshwater during the spawn.
- Coho salmonalso Silver salmon, SilversCoho salmon are Pacific salmon that hatch in freshwater, migrate to the ocean, then return to rivers to spawn. They are also called silver salmon and are a common target on Alaska and Pacific Northwest trips.
- Pink salmonalso Humpy, Humpies, Oncorhynchus gorbuschaPink salmon are Pacific salmon that return to freshwater to spawn, then die. They are the smallest and most abundant Pacific salmon in many runs, and are often called “humpies.”
- Sockeye salmonalso Red salmon, SockeyeSockeye salmon are Pacific salmon that hatch in freshwater, spend most of their adult life in the ocean, then return to freshwater to spawn. They are known for strong runs and bright red spawning color.
- Steelheadalso Sea-run rainbow trout, Sea-run rainbow, Great Lakes steelheadA steelhead is a rainbow trout that migrates to the ocean and later returns to freshwater to spawn. Unlike Pacific salmon, steelhead can survive spawning and may repeat the cycle.
Saltwater patterns (7)
- Bonefish Bittersalso Bitters, Bonefish BitterBonefish Bitters is a small, lightly weighted flats fly that suggests a shrimp or small crab. It is used for bonefish in shallow water where a quiet landing and a subtle sink rate matter.
- Crazy Charliealso CharlieA Crazy Charlie is a small, lightly weighted flats fly that suggests a shrimp or small baitfish. It is a common choice for bonefish and other shallow-water species.
- Gotchaalso Bonefish GotchaA Gotcha is a small, lightly weighted flats fly that imitates a shrimp, best known as a bonefish pattern.
- Gurgleralso Gurgler fly, Foam gurglerA Gurgler is a foam-headed saltwater streamer that pushes water and makes a soft “bloop” when stripped, like a small baitfish or waking plug.
- Merkin crabalso Merkin, Merkin crab flyA Merkin crab is a lead-eyed crab imitation tied to ride hook point up, used for permit and other flats fish that eat crabs.
- Popperalso Topwater popper, Bass popper, Surface popperA popper is a topwater fly with a cupped or flat face that pushes water and makes a “pop” or bloop when stripped.
- Tarpon toadalso Tarpon Toad, Toad fly, Tarpon toad flyA Tarpon Toad is a small tarpon fly with a flat, wide head and a rabbit or marabou tail, built to be neutrally buoyant so it hovers and swims level in front of the fish.
Spey & two-handed casts (2)
- D-loopalso D loop, DloopThe D-loop is the loop of fly line that forms behind the rod during a Spey-style cast. It loads the rod and sets the direction and safety of the forward stroke.
- Switch castA Spey-style cast that sweeps the line into a D-loop with a brief touch-and-go anchor, then delivers the forward cast without an aerial backcast.
Stonefly & caddis hatches (4)
- Golden stonealso Golden stones, Golden stonefly, Golden stone hatch, Golden stone nymphA “golden stone” is a common name for medium-to-large yellow to golden stoneflies, and the hatch anglers watch for when those adults are on the banks and fluttering on the surface.
- October caddisalso October Caddis, Fall caddisOctober caddis is a large, orange fall caddisfly hatch, best known on Western trout rivers where adults flutter along banks and skitter on the surface.
- Salmonflyalso Pteronarcys, Pteronarcys californica, Giant stoneflyA salmonfly is a very large stonefly, best known for its late-spring to early-summer adult hatch on many Western rivers and the oversized dry flies it inspires.
- Yellow Sallyalso Little Yellow Stonefly, Yellow Stonefly, Yellow Sally hatchA “Yellow Sally” is a small yellow stonefly, and the name anglers use for the hatch and the flies that imitate it.
Streamer patterns (12)
- Articulated streameralso jointed streamer, hinged streamerA streamer built in two or more connected sections so the fly hinges and swims with a wide, lifelike motion.
- Brush flyalso saltwater brush fly, baitfish brush fly, synthetic brush flyA brush fly is a saltwater streamer tied with a pre-made “brush” of fibers wrapped around the hook to form a full baitfish profile fast.
- Clouser Minnowalso Clouser, Clouser minnow flyA weighted baitfish streamer with lead or brass eyes that make it ride hook-point-up. It’s used in fresh or salt water to imitate small fish and move quickly through current.
- EP flyalso EP streamer, EP baitfish, EP minnow, EP fiber flyA synthetic-fiber baitfish or shrimp-style streamer tied with EP-style fibers for a translucent profile that sheds water and holds its shape.
- Game Changeralso Chocklett’s Game Changer, Gamechanger flyA Game Changer is an articulated streamer with a segmented body that swims with a side-to-side “S” motion and a lot of body movement at slow speeds.
- Intruderalso Intruder-style streamer, Intruder-style fly, Stinger-style IntruderA steelhead/salmon-style streamer built on a shank or tube with a short trailing hook and a large, mobile profile made from sparse materials.
- Lefty's Deceiveralso Deceiver, Lefty Kreh DeceiverA classic baitfish streamer tied with a bucktail tail and a long, tapered wing. It’s a standard saltwater pattern for imitating mullet, anchovies, and other small forage fish.
- Muddler Minnowalso Muddler, Muddler streamerA Muddler Minnow is a deer-hair streamer with a clipped, spun head and a low-profile wing. It can suggest a sculpin, small baitfish, or even a large aquatic insect depending on size and color.
- Sculpin patternalso Sculpin fly, Sculpin streamerA sculpin pattern is a streamer tied to imitate a sculpin (a bottom-dwelling baitfish) with a broad head and a bulky, tapering body. It’s fished near the bottom with short strips and pauses.
- Tube flyalso tubefly, tube streamerA streamer tied on a hollow tube instead of a hook. The hook is added separately on the leader, so the dressing can slide off the hook after the grab.
- Woolly Buggeralso Bugger, Wooly BuggerA Woolly Bugger is a simple streamer with a marabou tail and a fuzzy chenille body, usually palmered with hackle. It’s fished to imitate small baitfish, leeches, or big nymphs.
- Zonkeralso Rabbit-strip streamer, Rabbit zonkerA zonker is a streamer tied with a strip of fur (usually rabbit) that makes the fly pulse and swim as it moves through the water.
Sunglasses & sun protection (2)
- Polarized sunglassesalso polaroid sunglasses, polarized glasses, polarized fishing sunglassesSunglasses with a polarizing filter that cuts surface glare so you can see into the water and reduce eye strain.
- Sun glovesalso UV gloves, sun fishing gloves, sun protection gloves, fingerless sun glovesSun gloves are lightweight, quick-drying gloves that cover your hands for UV protection while still letting you cast, strip line, and handle fish.
Swinging & wet fly (1)
Thread & dubbing (1)
Tippet-to-fly knots (5)
- Clinch knotalso Clinch, Clinch knot for fly fishingA clinch knot is a simple knot for tying tippet or leader to a fly’s eye. It’s quick to tie and common for dry flies, nymphs, and small streamers.
- Davy knotalso Davy Knot, Double Davy knotA compact tippet-to-fly knot that uses a simple overhand structure. It’s popular for tiny flies because it’s quick to tie and uses very little tippet.
- Improved clinch knotalso Improved clinch, Improved clinch knot to flyA common knot for tying tippet to a fly. It’s a clinch knot with the tag end passed back through a second loop before tightening for a more secure finish.
- Non-slip loop knotalso Non-slip mono loop, Kreh loop, Mono loop knotA tippet-to-fly knot that leaves a small open loop at the hook eye. The loop lets the fly swing and track more freely than a snug knot.
- Orvis knotalso Orvis knot, Orvis tippet knotA tippet-to-fly knot that uses a doubled line through the hook eye, then a tuck back through a loop. It’s known for good strength with less twist than a clinch-style knot.
Tools & accessories (9)
- Desiccantalso dry fly powder, fly desiccant, dry shakeA desiccant is a drying powder used to remove water and slime from a dry fly so it will float again.
- Floatantalso dry fly floatant, dry fly dressing, leader floatantA floatant is a treatment put on a dry fly or leader to keep it riding higher and shedding water. It comes as a gel, liquid, spray, or powder.
- Forcepsalso hemostats, locking forcepsA small locking clamp used to unhook fish, pinch barbs, and handle small rigging tasks without using fingers.
- Landing netalso fish landing net, rubber net, trout netA landing net is a handled hoop with mesh used to control and lift a fish at the end of the fight. In fly fishing it’s mainly about safer releases and fewer lost fish at close range.
- Nippersalso line nippers, tippet nippers, fly fishing nippersNippers are small line cutters used to trim tag ends and cut tippet or leader on the water. Most are spring-loaded and clip to a zinger, pack, or vest.
- Stripping basketalso line basket, stripping tub, line management basketA stripping basket is a waist-worn tub that holds loose fly line while you strip. It keeps line from tangling in surf, wind, or around rocks and grass.
- Stripping guardalso line guard, stripping finger guard, casting gloveA stripping guard is a finger sleeve or glove that protects your stripping finger from line cuts and friction during repeated strips in saltwater fly fishing.
- Wading staffalso wading stick, wading poleA wading staff is a collapsible or fixed pole used for balance and footing while wading. It gives a third point of contact in current, slick rocks, mud, or uneven bottoms.
- Zingeralso retractor, tool retractor, pin-on retractor, gear retractor, lanyard retractorA zinger is a retractable lanyard that keeps a tool clipped to gear but ready to pull out and use. It’s used for nippers, forceps, and other small accessories.
Trip styles (1)
Trout & char (10)
- Arctic charalso Salvelinus alpinus, charA coldwater char (Salvelinus alpinus) that lives in Arctic and subarctic lakes and rivers, and sometimes in the ocean. It can look like a trout, but it is in the char group with brook trout and Dolly Varden.
- Brook troutalso Brookie, Speckled trout, Brook charBrook trout are a char, not a true trout. They are coldwater fish known for bright colors and pale “worm-like” markings on the back.
- Brown troutalso Salmo trutta, German brown, European brown troutA brown trout is a trout species (Salmo trutta) known for a golden-brown body with dark spots, often with some red or orange spots. It is native to Europe, northern Africa and western Asia and widely introduced around the world.
- Bull troutalso bull charA bull trout is a native char of northwestern North America that lives in very cold, clean water and often eats fish.
- Cutthroat troutalso cutty, cutthroatCutthroat trout are native trout of the western U.S. and Canada, named for the orange to red “cut” mark under the jaw. Many populations are distinct subspecies tied to specific river basins.
- Dolly Vardenalso Dolly, Dolly Varden charA Dolly Varden is a char in the genus Salvelinus, closely related to bull trout and Arctic char. It lives in cold northern waters, with both resident and sea-run forms in some regions.
- Golden troutalso California golden troutGolden trout are a brightly colored trout native to California’s southern Sierra Nevada. They live in cold, high-elevation streams and lakes and are also found in some introduced waters.
- Lake troutalso laker, mackinawA lake trout is a large char that lives in cold lakes and deep reservoirs and often feeds on fish. It’s also called laker or mackinaw.
- Rainbow troutalso rainbow, Oncorhynchus mykissA rainbow trout is a coldwater trout known for a pink-to-red stripe along its side and heavy spotting. It is one of the most common trout species anglers catch in rivers and lakes.
- Sea troutalso Sea-run troutIn this glossary, a sea trout is an anadromous salmonid trout that feeds in saltwater and returns to freshwater to spawn. In much of Europe the term usually means anadromous brown trout, but it can mean other sea-run trout depending on the region.
Tying techniques (1)
Tying tools (2)
- Bobbinalso thread bobbin, tying bobbin, bobbin holderA bobbin is a fly-tying tool that holds a spool of thread and feeds it under adjustable tension while you wrap thread on a hook.
- Hair stackeralso hair stacker tool, hair tip stacker, stackerA hair stacker is a small tube-and-base tool that evens the tips of hair or fur for tying wings and tails, including comparadun wings.
Waders & wading (10)
- Bootfoot wadersalso boot-foot waders, integrated-boot wadersWaders with the boot permanently attached. They go on as one piece, with no separate wading boot over a neoprene stockingfoot.
- Breathable wadersalso breathable wader, breathable chest waders, breathable fishing wadersBreathable waders are waterproof waders made from a membrane fabric that blocks liquid water but lets water vapor pass out, reducing sweat buildup.
- Felt solealso felt-soled boots, felt solesA felt sole is a wading-boot outsole made from dense felt. It grips especially well on wet rock and algae-slick surfaces but is restricted or banned in some places because it can carry invasive organisms.
- Gravel guardalso gravel cuff, wader gravel guardA gravel guard is the fabric cuff that seals the bottom of stockingfoot waders over your wading boot to keep sand and small rocks out.
- Rubber solealso rubber-soled wading boots, rubber outsoleA rubber sole is a wading-boot outsole made from molded rubber rather than felt. It trades some slick-rock grip for easier walking, faster drying, and simpler cleaning.
- Stockingfoot wadersalso stocking-foot waders, stocking foot wadersWaders with neoprene “sock” feet that slide into separate wading boots. They rely on the boot for traction and ankle support.
- Wadersalso Fishing waders, Fly fishing wadersWaterproof pants (often chest-high) that let you wade in rivers and lakes while staying dry and warmer. Most fly-fishing waders are worn with separate wading boots.
- Wading beltalso wader belt, wader waist beltA wading belt is a snug belt worn over waders at the waist. It slows and limits how much water can rush into waders if you slip or fall.
- Wading bootsalso wading shoes, wading boots for stockingfoot wadersWading boots are sturdy boots worn over stockingfoot waders (or wet-wading socks) to provide traction, ankle support, and protection on slippery river bottoms.
- Wading studsalso boot studs, cleats, wading cleats, carbide studsSmall metal screws that thread into the soles of wading boots to add bite on slick rock and hardpack. They’re removable and can be replaced when worn.
Warmwater & exotic freshwater (9)
- Arapaimaalso pirarucu, paicheArapaima are giant, air-breathing Amazon basin fish that live in warm, low-oxygen freshwater and eat other fish. They are targeted with heavy tackle and large flies in some managed fisheries.
- Carpalso Common carp, Grass carpCarp are large, hardy freshwater fish that feed by rooting and sipping. In fly fishing they are a primary sight-fishing target, often approached like a flats species.
- Golden doradoalso Dorado, Salminus brasiliensisA golden dorado is a hard-fighting South American freshwater predator, Salminus brasiliensis, known for explosive strikes and long runs.
- Largemouth bassalso LMB, bucketmouth, Micropterus salmoidesA largemouth bass is a warmwater freshwater predator known for its wide mouth, heavy body, and ambush style of feeding around cover.
- Northern pikealso pike, Esox luciusNorthern pike are large, toothy freshwater predators that hunt by ambush along weeds, reeds, and drop-offs. They are a common fly-rod target across much of the northern U.S. and Canada.
- Payaraalso Vampire fishA payara is a South American predatory characin known for two long, fang-like lower-jaw teeth and a violent, head-shaking fight.
- Peacock bassalso CichlaPeacock bass are aggressive, tropical cichlids from South America that are targeted with flies for their hard strikes and fast, close-range fights.
- Smallmouth bassalso Bronzeback, SmallieA smallmouth bass is a freshwater black bass (Micropterus dolomieu) known for living in current and rocky habitat and eating crayfish, minnows, and insects.
- Taimenalso Siberian taimen, Mongolian taimen, Hucho taimenTaimen are the largest member of the salmon family, a predatory salmonid native to cold, clear waters in parts of Russia and Mongolia.