Fly Fishing Fly Sizes Chart Guide.
Welcome to your ultimate fly sizes chart guide for fly fishing! Whether you’re a beginner trying to understand hook numbers or an experienced angler looking to refine your fly selection, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the often confusing world of fly sizes.
In this guide, you’ll discover detailed charts for dry flies, wet flies, nymphs, terrestrials, and salmon flies, along with expert tips on how to choose the right fly size for different seasons, water conditions, and fish species. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how fly sizes work, why they matter, and how to match the perfect fly to your fishing adventure.
Hook sizes
Unlike leaders and tippet, fly sizes work inversely regarding their numerical designation.
A smaller number indicates a larger hook size; for example, a size 10 fly is larger than a size 20. Here’s a general guide to fly sizes:
- Dry Flies:– Typically sized 12, 14, 16, 18
- Terrestrial Flies:– Typically sized 10, 12, 14
- Wet Flies :- Typically sized 10, 12, 14
- Nymphs:- Typically sized 12, 14, 16, 18
Below is a fly fishing hook size chart to help you understand the various sizes and how they correspond to different types of flies. This chart will make selecting the right fly for your fishing adventures much easier!
Choosing the Right Fly Size: Factors to Consider.
Selecting the correct fly size is crucial for successful fishing. Here are key considerations to help you decide which fly sizes to use and when:
Time of Year:
Insects follow seasonal cycles, influencing their availability and size. During winter in temperate regions, insect hatches are rare, with midges and smaller insects being predominant. Opt for dry flies sized 18 and smaller during this period. For nymphing, consider using slightly larger patterns like scud or caddis larvae, which are consistently present in many waterways.
Warmer months offer more diversity in insect life. Terrestrial insects are often swept into waterways during summer, making patterns like terrestrial flies highly effective. Insects also grow to full size in summer, making larger flies more appealing to fish. Generally, colder weather favors smaller flies, while warmer weather supports the use of larger flies, although smaller patterns can be effective year-round.
These considerations ensure you’re equipped with the right fly sizes throughout the fishing season.
| Season | Fly Size |
| Spring | 12-16 |
| Summer | <16 |
| Fall | 12-16 |
| Winter | 18-28 |
Note: Throughout the year, in most regions, smaller flies than those suggested above can still be highly effective.
Essential Flies for Fly Fishing
|
Fly Type
|
Recommended Flies | Recommended Sizes |
|
Dry Flies
|
Royal Wulff, Royal Humpy, Royal Stimulator (any stimulator type), Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Red Tag, Spinners.
|
12, 14, 16, and occasionally 18
|
|
Emerger Flies.
|
Klinkhammer, Shaving Brush, CDC Emerger.
|
12, 14, 16, and occasionally 18
|
|
Nymphs
|
Pheasant Tail, Flashback, Hare and Copper (some with tungsten bead heads), in browns, claret, and black colors.
|
12, 14, 16
|
|
Wet Flies
|
Woolly Bugger, Magoo, Tom Jones, BMS Minnow.
|
10, 12
|
Selecting the appropriate fly involves matching its size and color to the prevalent insects in your fishing area. Here’s how to enhance your fly selection:
Stream Bed Observation:- Check under rocks for nymphs.
Water Observation:- Use a net or stocking to capture passing insects floating by.
Shoreline and Tree Inspection:- Look for insect carcasses.
Aerial Observation:- Observe insects flying around you.
When you find the perfect match, it can lead to a highly productive day of fishing.
Fly Size Chart
| Tippet Size | Fly Size | Fish |
| 8X | 20-28 | Small trout, panfish |
| 7X | 18-24 | Easily spooked trout |
| 6X | 16-22 | 10-12 inch trout |
| 5X | 14-18 | 12-20 inch trout |
| 4X | 12-16 | 12-20 inch trout |
| 3X | 8-12 | 20+ inch trout, smaller bass |
| 2X | 4-10 | Bass, steelhead |
| 1X | 2-6 | Steelhead, salmon |
| 0X | 1/0-4 | Saltwater game fish |
Salmon Fly Size Chart.
Selecting the right fly is crucial for successful salmon fishing. This expanded guide will help you choose the perfect fly based on type, size, conditions, and season.
| Fly Type | Hook Size | Ideal Conditions | Fly TypeHook SizeIdeal ConditionsBest Seasons |
| Egg-Sucking Leech | 1/0 – 4 | Murky water, aggressive salmon | Spring run, Fall spawning |
| Intruder Flies | 1/0 – 2 | Fast currents, king salmon in deep water | Summer fishing, Fall spawning |
| Spey Flies | 4 – 6 | Slow-moving water, late-season salmon | Fall spawning, Winter steelhead |
| Egg Patterns | 6 – 10 | Clear water, spawning season | Fall spawning, Winter steelhead |
Below is a detailed downloadable Salmon Fly Size Chart to help anglers choose the right fly for different types, sizes, and seasonal conditions for optimal salmon fishing success.
Note: While this chart provides general guidelines, there are exceptions and overlap depending on specific fishing conditions and fish behavior. Adjustments may be necessary based on your observations and experience on the water.
Concluding Thoughts on Fly Size
Fly fishing is highly situational, requiring adaptability and knowledge of local conditions. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to fly size selection, these guidelines provide valuable insights for various fishing scenarios. Embrace the art and science of fly fishing, remaining open to adjustments as you gain experience. This information serves as a valuable starting point and reference for your fishing endeavors.