dry fly

noun

: an artificial angling fly designed to float

Examples of dry fly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Because dry flies need to float, the hooks they’re tied on are much lighter hooks. Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 7 Mar. 2024 In most habitats, brookies are abundant and easily caught on small nymphs and dry flies, tiny spinners or live worms. Jordan Rodriguez, Idaho Statesman, 31 Jan. 2024 On the Owyhee, browns will hammer dry flies and nymphs, so be on the lookout and match the hatch! Jordan Rodriguez, Idaho Statesman, 31 Jan. 2024 The graphite fly rod is well suited to powerful casts delivering streamers, as well as precision placement of dry flies. Rob McDonald, Field & Stream, 13 Sep. 2023 Among golden aspens with bull elk bugling down the canyon, my Orvis Encounter rod and reel combo worked Adams dry flies past slack water to fish lying in wait, flawlessly. Rob McDonald, Field & Stream, 13 Sep. 2023 The $45 class includes information about fly rods, knot tying, dry flies, trout identification, reading water in streams and lakes and casting techniques. Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2023 Rods with a slower, softer action are often preferred for delicate dry fly fishing, but use any rod that suits your casting style and gives you the most feeling of control. Morgan Lyle, Field & Stream, 13 July 2023 The vest also features eight pockets and two dry fly patches for great organization. Ryan Chelius, Field & Stream, 1 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dry fly.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dry fly was in 1846

Dictionary Entries Near dry fly

Cite this Entry

“Dry fly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dry%20fly. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

dry fly

noun
: a fishing fly designed to float on the water

More from Merriam-Webster on dry fly

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!