Wet Fly Fishing Tackle

Wet fly fishing doesn't require specialist equipment. Most conventional trout fly fishing outfits are suitable, particularly when fishing traditional wet flies and North Country spiders on UK rivers.

The most important considerations are good line control, accurate casting and the ability to maintain contact with the flies without interfering with their natural movement.

The tackle required will vary depending on whether you're fishing a small river, a larger river or a stillwater.

What Fly Rod Is Best for Wet Fly Fishing?

For general UK river trout and grayling fishing, a 9ft #4 fly rod is an excellent all-round choice.

It provides sufficient length for controlling the fly line and managing the drift while remaining light enough for delicate presentations.

On smaller rivers, a shorter rod around 7ft 6in to 8ft 6in, rated #3 or #4, can be useful where overhanging trees and bankside vegetation restrict casting.

On larger rivers, a 9ft #4 or #5 rod offers versatility, particularly when fishing teams of wet flies or dealing with windy conditions.

For stillwater trout fishing, a 9ft 6in #6 rod is a sensible all-round choice. It provides the versatility needed for traditional wet fly fishing alongside other common stillwater methods.

There is no need to purchase a dedicated wet fly rod if your existing outfit is suitable.

Does Rod Action Matter?

Both medium-action and faster-action rods can be used effectively for wet fly fishing.

A medium-action rod can feel pleasant when fishing traditional spiders at relatively short distances and may provide good feedback when casting.

Faster-action rods can be useful when casting longer distances, fishing teams of flies or dealing with wind.

However, rod action is largely a matter of personal preference and casting style.

The most important thing is choosing a rod that you can cast accurately and comfortably.

What Fly Line Should You Use?

A floating fly line is the standard choice for most traditional river wet fly fishing.

It allows the angler to control the drift, mend the line and adjust the presentation without the fly line sinking beneath the surface.

For most anglers, a weight forward floating line is the most practical option.

Modern weight forward lines are available with a wide variety of tapers, including designs that load the rod efficiently at shorter casting distances.

Double taper lines can also be used, although they are less popular than they once were. Some anglers enjoy their characteristics for traditional river fishing, while others find modern weight forward lines easier to cast.

Do You Need a Sinking Line?

For traditional river wet fly fishing, usually not.

A floating line allows lightly dressed spiders and wet flies to fish beneath the surface while providing good control.

On stillwaters, intermediate or sinking lines can be useful when trout are feeding deeper.

However, many traditional wet fly methods, particularly loch-style fishing in the upper layers, are well suited to floating lines.

Choose the line according to the depth you need to fish rather than assuming that wet flies require a sinking line.

What Leader Should You Use?

The leader connects the thick plastic fly line to the artificial flies.

Its purpose is to transfer energy during the cast while providing a finer, less conspicuous connection to the flies.

For traditional river wet fly fishing, a tapered leader is a useful starting point.

A leader around 9ft is suitable for many situations.

Longer leaders may be useful when fishing to wary fish or when a more delicate presentation is required.

However, excessively long leaders can become difficult to control, particularly when fishing several flies.

The best leader is one that turns over reliably and allows you to maintain appropriate contact with the flies.

Nylon or Fluorocarbon?

Both nylon monofilament and fluorocarbon are suitable for wet fly fishing.

Nylon Monofilament

Nylon is supple, relatively inexpensive and well suited to traditional river wet fly methods.

Its flexibility can help lightly dressed flies move naturally in the current.

Nylon is a good all-round choice, particularly when fishing spiders in the upper layers of the water.

Fluorocarbon

Fluorocarbon is denser than nylon and tends to sink more readily.

It can be useful when you want the leader and flies to fish slightly deeper.

It is also widely used for stillwater wet fly fishing.

However, fluorocarbon isn't essential, and there is no need to replace a suitable nylon leader simply to fish wet flies.

What Breaking Strain Should You Use?

The appropriate breaking strain depends on the size of the flies, the fish being targeted and the fishing conditions.

For general UK river trout and grayling fishing, the following tippet diameters provide a useful guide:

These breaking strains are approximate. Actual strength varies between manufacturers and materials, so always check the product specifications.

On stillwaters, stronger tippet of around 6-10lb is often appropriate, particularly when fishing for larger rainbow trout or using teams of wet flies.

The objective is to use material that provides natural presentation while remaining strong enough to land fish safely and efficiently.

Avoid using unnecessarily fine tippet simply because you're fishing small wet flies.

Fishing a Single Wet Fly or a Team

Traditional wet fly fishing often involves using two or three flies on the same leader.

However, fishing a single wet fly is a good way to begin.

It simplifies casting and makes it easier to understand how the artificial behaves in the current.

When fishing a team, the flies are normally attached at intervals along the leader.

The fly at the end is known as the point fly.

Additional flies are attached to short side sections called droppers.

A two-fly team has one dropper and a point fly, while a three-fly team normally has two droppers and a point fly.

The spacing and length of the droppers should allow the flies to move freely without tangling excessively.

For beginners, a simple two-fly arrangement is often easier to manage than a full three-fly team.

Always check the fishery rules regarding the permitted number of flies.

Do You Need a Special Fly Reel?

No.

For most river wet fly fishing, a lightweight reel that balances the rod and holds the fly line and backing is sufficient.

A reliable drag system is useful, particularly when playing larger trout.

On stillwaters, where rainbow trout may make longer runs, a smooth drag becomes more valuable.

However, the reel has relatively little influence on how the wet fly behaves in the water.

The rod, fly line, leader and angler's presentation are generally more important.

Useful Wet Fly Fishing Accessories

A few basic accessories are worth carrying:

• Polarised sunglasses - to reduce glare, improve visibility and protect your eyes.
• Nippers - for trimming leader and tippet material.
• Forceps - for removing hooks safely.
• Tippet spools - for replacing damaged material and constructing leaders.
• Landing net - preferably with fish-friendly mesh.
• Fly box - containing a selection of spiders and traditional wet flies.
• Leader straightener - useful for removing coils from certain leader materials.

You don't need large amounts of additional equipment.

A straightforward, reliable setup is generally sufficient.

Common Wet Fly Tackle Mistakes

Some common problems include:

• Assuming specialist tackle is necessary for traditional wet fly fishing.
• Using a sinking line when a floating line would provide better control.
• Fishing leaders that are too long or complicated for the conditions.
• Using unnecessarily fine tippet that increases the risk of breakages.
• Fishing teams of flies before developing reliable casting technique.
• Using poorly constructed droppers that tangle or restrict movement.
• Choosing a rod and fly line combination that is poorly matched.
• Carrying too much equipment instead of concentrating on the essentials.

Most of these problems can be avoided by keeping the setup simple and choosing tackle appropriate to the water.

Key Takeaways

• Traditional wet fly fishing does not require specialist equipment.
• A 9ft #4 rod is an excellent all-round choice for UK river trout and grayling.
• A 9ft 6in #6 rod is a versatile option for stillwater trout fishing.
• Floating weight forward fly lines are suitable for most traditional river wet fly methods.
• Intermediate and sinking lines can be useful on stillwaters when fishing deeper.
• Tapered leaders around 9ft are a practical starting point.
• Both nylon and fluorocarbon can be used for wet fly fishing.
• For general river fishing, tippet around 0.12-0.16mm, approximately 3-7lb depending on the material, covers many situations.
• Stronger tippet around 6-10lb is often suitable for stillwater trout fishing.
• A single wet fly is a good starting point for beginners.
• Teams of wet flies use a point fly and one or more droppers.
• Good line control and presentation are more important than expensive specialist equipment.

A simple, well-balanced fly fishing outfit is all you need to enjoy traditional wet fly fishing.

In the next article, we'll look at Fishing Wet Flies Downstream and Across, including how to control the swing, manage line tension and recognise takes when fishing traditional wet flies on UK rivers.