The Essential Fly

How to keep a dry fly afloat before and after use

28 April 2022  |  Sarah
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When dry fly fishing, I still stare at the water in front of me and watch the most wonderful dry fly creations sink out of sight after only a relatively short period of time!
Unless they consist of foam, dry flies generally need some form of floatant application before we even think of casting.

There are several good quality fly floatants on the market these days that include liquids, sprays, powders and gels.

To be honest, they all perform well and depending on what you require from them, each has its place. 
 

Loon Outdoors Fly Spritz 2

As the WORLD’S FIRST and ONLY water based spray floatant, Loon Outdoors Fly Spritz 2 is the fastest way to get a floatant on a dry fly.

Simply spray your fly and either wait or false cast to dry and then fish on.
 
Gels easily address this problem.  Gels come in tubes, often with a handy applicator nozzle. 

Simply, squeeze a tiny amount of this onto your index finger, a quick massage between finger and thumb render the floatant watery that is easy to apply. 

It’s then just a matter of anointing the required part of a fly, be it, tail, hackle or wing.
If you aim on doing a lot of dry fly then an amadou patch is a good investment. 

A type of fungus, amadou has superb absorbing properties to wick moisture away from your dry flies. 

Sometimes, after prolonged use, with the best will in the world, your dry fly still sinks, especially after being subjected to the slimy jaws of a Trout or two.

Powdered floatants can be used on a fly prior to use though they’re best for revitalizing delicate dry flies, like CdC dressings for example. 

After landing a fish, your drowned fly is simply popped in the container and a couple of shakes usually renders the fly as good as new.

Equally, you can use a small applicator brush to get to the roots of a fly’s wing.
 
Mucilin grease is also good for revamping tired dry flies. 

Available in a tub this has a stubborn consistency, to soften, rub between index finger and thumb then apply. 

Best of all, Mucilin won’t break the bank!
It’s especially good for re-vamping CdC type patterns that let’s face it, can be temperamental.

These are then treated to a dousing with powdered floatant to render them as good as new.
Finally, if your dry fly selection principally consists of CdC flies then it can be worth treating them to coating of CdC oil prior to using them as this helps shed water from the off.
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