Decoding the Angler's Dictionary: Essential Fly Fishing Terms
Ever felt lost listening to experienced fly fishers chat about "hauls," "hatches," and "hackle"? The world of fly fishing has its own rich vocabulary, which can seem daunting at first. But understanding these terms is your gateway to truly grasping the techniques, appreciating the gear, and communicating effectively on the water.
This fly fishing glossary is your guide to translating the angler's language. We've compiled and explained key terminology used in fly fishing techniques, fly tying processes, and casting mechanics. Think of it as your pocket translator for becoming fluent in fly fishing!
[ A ] - Fly Fishing Terms Explained
Abdomen : The rear, often segmented and largest part of an insect's body, following the thorax.
Action : Refers to a fly rod's flexibility and where it bends during a cast. Typically categorized as: Fast (stiffer, bends near the tip, powerful for long casts/wind), Medium (bends into the middle, all-around performance), or Slow (flexible down to the handle, delicate presentation for short distances/dry flies).
Adipose Fin : A small, fleshy, rayless fin found on the back of salmonids (trout, salmon, char) between the dorsal fin and the tail. Often clipped on hatchery fish for identification.
Adult : The final, winged, reproductive life stage of an aquatic insect after it emerges.
Anadromous Fish : Fish like salmon or steelhead that hatch in freshwater, migrate to saltwater to mature, and return to freshwater to reproduce (spawn).
Anodizing : An electrochemical process that creates a durable, corrosion-resistant oxide layer on metal, commonly used on aluminum fly reels, especially for saltwater use.
Arbor : The central cylinder of the fly reel's spool around which the backing and fly line are wound. Larger arbors retrieve line faster and reduce line memory.
Arbor Knot : The specific knot used to secure the backing line directly to the arbor (spool core) of a fly reel.
Attractor : A type of fly pattern designed to provoke a strike through general suggestion and triggering characteristics (like color or movement) rather than mimicking a specific insect accurately. Example: Royal Wulff.
[ B ] - Fly Fishing Terms Explained
Backcast : The part of the fly cast where the line is propelled backward, behind the angler, before the forward cast.
Backing : A thin, strong line (often braided Dacron or Gel-Spun Polyethylene) wound onto the reel arbor before the fly line. It fills space on the reel and provides extra line capacity for fighting strong fish that run long distances.
Baetis : A common and widespread genus of small mayflies (often sizes 16-22), also known as Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs), important insects for trout anglers.
Bamboo : The traditional material for fly rod construction, known for its classic feel and smooth casting rhythm. Often referred to as "cane rods."
Barb : The sharp, rear-facing point near the hook's tip designed to prevent the hook from easily dislodging once embedded. Many anglers pinch barbs down for easier release and less harm to fish (barbless hooks).
Barrel Knot : An alternative name for the Blood Knot.
Bass Bug : A general term for larger flies, often bulky and buoyant (like those tied with deer hair or foam), designed to be fished on the surface for bass.
Bass Bug Taper : A type of weight-forward fly line profile with a shorter, more aggressive front taper designed to help turn over large, wind-resistant flies like bass bugs.
Beadhead : Describes a fly incorporating a small bead (metal like brass/tungsten, or glass/plastic) at the head, primarily to add weight for sinking nymphs and streamers faster. Some beads can add color or flash.
Belly : The main, thicker, level-diameter portion of a fly line, situated between the front and rear tapers. It contains most of the line's casting weight.
Bimini Twist : A complex knot creating a strong, doubled loop in the line that acts as a shock absorber. Primarily used in saltwater angling for powerful fish like tarpon to protect leader connections.
Biot : A stiff, singular fiber taken from the leading edge of a primary wing feather (like goose or turkey), used in fly tying to create realistic legs, tails, or antennae.
Blank : The bare, tapered shaft (usually graphite, fiberglass, or bamboo) that forms the core of a fly rod before components like guides, reel seat, and handle are added.
Blood Knot : A popular and effective knot for joining two sections of monofilament leader material that have similar diameters, creating a smooth, inline connection. Ideal for building knotted tapered leaders. Also known as a Barrel Knot.
Bobbin : A fly tying tool that holds the spool of thread, allowing controlled tension and application while wrapping materials onto the hook.
Bodkin : A simple fly tying tool consisting of a handle and a sharp needle, used for applying precise amounts of head cement, teasing out dubbing, or clearing hook eyes.
Breaking Strength : The amount of force, usually measured in pounds (lbs) or kilograms (kg), required to break a line or leader material. Often referred to as "test" (e.g., 6 lb test).
Bucktail : (1) Hair from the tail of a white-tailed deer, a versatile fly tying material used for wings, tails, and bodies, especially in streamer patterns. Can be used in its natural color or dyed. (2) A style of streamer fly that primarily uses bucktail for its wing.
Butt Section : The thickest part of a tapered leader, which connects directly to the end of the fly line, often via a loop-to-loop connection or a nail knot.
[ C ] - Fly Fishing Terms Explained
Caddis : A major group of aquatic insects crucial to fly fishing. Adults often resemble small moths and fold their wings tent-like over their backs at rest. Their underwater stages (larva, pupa) and emerging phase are key food sources imitated by many fly patterns.
Callibaetis : A genus of mayfly commonly found in lakes and ponds, recognizable by the mottled or speckled pattern on the adult's wings. Important hatches occur in stillwaters, typically imitated with patterns in sizes 16-18.
Cape : The neck skin (and sometimes saddle) of a chicken (usually rooster) specially bred and harvested for its feathers (hackle), which are used extensively in fly tying, particularly for dry flies.
Casting Arc : The angle through which the fly rod moves during the casting stroke, often visualized relative to clock face positions (e.g., 10 o'clock to 2 o'clock). Controls loop shape.
Caudal Fin : The fish's tail fin.
CDC : Abbreviation for Cul de Canard, French for "duck's butt." Refers to the uniquely buoyant, wispy feathers found near the preen gland of a duck. Highly valued in fly tying for creating naturally floating flies (especially emergers and dry flies).
Char : A group of coldwater fish related to trout and salmon (genus Salvelinus), typically having light spots on a dark body background and white leading edges on lower fins. Examples: Brook Trout, Lake Trout, Arctic Char, Dolly Varden, Bull Trout.
Chenille : A fly tying material resembling a fuzzy pipe cleaner, made by weaving short fibers into a core thread. Used to create plush bodies on flies like Woolly Buggers and some nymphs.
Chironomid : The scientific family name for non-biting midges. Their pupal stage, often resembling small aquatic worms ascending to the surface, is a vital food source, especially in lakes.
Click Drag (or Click-and-Pawl Drag) : A simple, traditional drag mechanism on fly reels that uses a triangular "pawl" clicking against a gear on the spool to create minimal resistance and prevent spool overrun. Makes a characteristic clicking sound.
Clinch Knot : A fundamental and widely used knot for attaching a fly or hook to the tippet (end of the leader). The Improved Clinch Knot adds an extra tuck for increased security.
Collar : In fly tying, a band of hackle or other material wrapped around the hook shank directly behind the fly's head or bead.
Comparadun : A style of dry fly characterized by a sparse, upright wing made of deer hair flared in a 180-degree arc, and lacking traditional hackle. Designed for realistic imitations in challenging, clear water conditions.
Co-Polymers : Advanced blends of different types of nylon and other plastics, often with UV inhibitors, used to create leader and tippet materials with very high tensile strength for their diameter. They may be less abrasion-resistant than standard nylon monofilament.
Czech Nymphing : A short-line nymphing technique using multiple (often heavy) nymphs on a long leader, typically without a strike indicator. Focuses on maintaining direct contact and detecting subtle takes in fast water, often with specialized long, sensitive rods.
[ D ] - Fly Fishing Terms Explained
Dacron : A brand name for a type of polyester fiber, commonly braided to create durable and low-stretch backing line for fly reels.
Damping : A rod blank's ability to quickly stop vibrating after the casting stroke. Good damping results in smoother casts, tighter loops, and better energy transfer to the line.
Damselfly : An aquatic insect common in stillwaters, whose nymph stage is frequently imitated. Adults are slender, resemble dragonflies, but typically fold their wings along their back when perched.
Dead Drift : Presenting a fly (dry or nymph) so it floats naturally with the current, without any drag or unnatural movement caused by the fly line or leader. The goal for most nymph and dry fly presentations.
Deer Hair : Hair from deer (especially body hair) is hollow, making it very buoyant. Widely used in fly tying for spinning dense, clipped bodies (bass bugs, Muddlers) or for wings and tails on dry flies (like the Humpy or Elk Hair Caddis).
Delivery : The act of casting the fly line and leader to place the fly accurately and appropriately onto the target water. Synonymous with presentation.
Disc Drag : A modern, more powerful reel drag system using pressure applied between multiple discs (materials can include cork, carbon fiber, Rulon, etc.) to create smooth, adjustable resistance against a running fish. Common on reels for larger fish.
Dorsal Fin : The main fin located on the top (back) of a fish. Can be single, or divided into sections.
Double Haul : An advanced casting technique involving synchronized pulls on the fly line with the non-casting hand during both the backcast and forward cast. Significantly increases line speed for longer casts and punching through wind.
Double Taper (DT) : A fly line profile where both ends have identical tapers, with a long, level belly section in between. Excels at roll casting and delicate presentations at short to medium distances. Can be reversed when one end wears out.
Drag : (1) Unnatural movement: The detrimental effect when the current pulls on the fly line or leader at a different speed than the fly, causing the fly to skate or move unnaturally across the water surface or subsurface. The enemy of a dead drift. (2) Reel resistance: The mechanical friction applied by the reel's drag system to control the speed at which line leaves the spool when fighting a fish.
Drag Free : The ideal state of a fly drifting naturally with the current, same as Dead Drift.
Dragonfly : A large aquatic insect whose nymph form is a significant food source in many waters. Adults are strong fliers and hold their wings straight out horizontally (like airplane wings) when at rest.
Drop-off : A distinct, often sharp increase in water depth along a bank, underwater ledge, or channel edge. These transitions often hold fish seeking cover and feeding opportunities.
Dropper : A secondary fly (or weight) attached to the main leader, typically via a short length of tippet tied off the bend or eye of the primary fly, or from a tag end of a leader knot. A "dry-dropper" rig pairs a buoyant dry fly with a nymph or emerger tied below it.
Dry Fly : An artificial fly designed to be fished on the water's surface, imitating the adult stage of aquatic or terrestrial insects. Typically tied with buoyant materials like hackle, deer hair, or CDC.
Dry-Fly Floatant : A waterproofing treatment (liquid, gel, paste, or powder) applied to dry flies to help them repel water and stay afloat longer.
Dubbing : A fly tying material consisting of loose natural fur (e.g., hare, beaver, rabbit) or synthetic fibers, twisted onto the tying thread to create fuzzy bodies and thoraxes on flies.
Dun : (1) The sub-adult stage (subimago) of a mayfly after it emerges from the water but before its final molt into a spinner. This is the stage most often imitated by classic dry fly patterns. (2) A specific dull, greyish-blue color often found in fly tying feathers.
[ E ] - Fly Fishing Terms Explained
Eddy : A pocket or area of calmer, sometimes swirling water found behind obstructions (like rocks) or along the edges of the main current in a river. Eddies provide resting places for fish and can concentrate food.
Elk Hair : Hair from the body of an elk, similar to deer hair in that it's hollow and buoyant. Commonly used for wings on flies like the Elk Hair Caddis and for bodies on other patterns.
Emerger : (1) The stage when an aquatic insect nymph or pupa rises through the water column to hatch into an adult at the surface. (2) A style of fly designed to imitate insects during this vulnerable transitional stage, often fished just below or in the surface film.
[ F ] - Fly Fishing Terms Explained
False Cast : A casting motion where the fly line is kept moving back and forth in the air without letting it touch the water. Used to change casting direction, extend or shorten line, or dry a waterlogged fly. Often performed more than necessary by beginners.
Ferrule : The reinforced connection point where separate sections of a multi-piece fly rod fit together. Modern ferrules are usually 'tip-over-butt' or 'butt-over-tip' designs.
Fingerling : A young fish, typically about the size of a human finger.
Flashback : A feature on nymph patterns where a piece of flashy material (like tinsel or Flashabou) is tied over the thorax or wing case area to add attraction.
Flat : A shallow area of relatively uniform depth in saltwater (tidal flats) or freshwater (lake shoals), often with a sand, mud, or grass bottom. Prime feeding areas for species like bonefish, redfish, permit, and carp.
Float Tube : A personal, portable watercraft consisting of an inflatable bladder (often U-shaped or pontoon-style) with a seat, allowing an angler to fish from the water. Propelled by kicking with fins. Also known as a belly boat.
Floating Fly Line (F) : A fly line designed so its entire length floats on the water surface. The most common and versatile type of fly line.
Fluorocarbon : A type of leader and tippet material made from polyvinylidene fluoride. It has a refractive index very close to water, making it nearly invisible underwater. It's also denser (sinks faster) and generally more abrasion-resistant than nylon monofilament. Often preferred for nymphing and saltwater fishing.
Fly Casting : The technique of using the flex of a fly rod and the weight of the fly line to propel a lightweight fly towards a target. Distinct from spin or bait casting where the lure's weight carries the line.
Fly Line : The specialized, weighted line used in fly fishing. Typically consists of a plastic coating over a core (braided or monofilament). Its weight is what loads the rod for casting. Available in various tapers, densities (floating, sinking), and weights.
Fly Reel : The reel used in fly fishing, primarily designed to store the fly line and backing, provide a counterbalance to the rod, and, in some cases, apply drag pressure when fighting fish. Common types are single action, large arbor, and disc drag or click-and-pawl.
Fly Rod : The specialized fishing rod designed for fly casting. Characterized by the reel seat being below the handle and numerous, relatively small line guides. Made from materials like graphite, fiberglass, or bamboo, and designated by length and line weight.
Forceps : A locking, scissor-like clamp tool (hemostat) used by anglers to easily grip and remove hooks from a fish's mouth, crush hook barbs, or hold materials while tying knots.
Forward Cast : The part of the fly cast where the line is propelled forward, towards the target, after the backcast.
Forward Taper : Another term for Weight Forward (WF) fly line taper.
Foul Hook : Hooking a fish anywhere on its body other than inside its mouth.
Freestone : A type of river or stream characterized by flowing over rocks and gravel, with its flow volume largely determined by rainfall and snowmelt (run-off). They tend to have clearer water, more defined pool-riffle-run structures, and less aquatic vegetation than spring creeks.
Front Taper : The forward-most section of a fly line that gradually decreases in diameter towards the tip, facilitating a smooth transfer of energy for turning over the leader and fly.
Fry : A very young fish that has recently hatched from an egg and absorbed its yolk sac.
[ G ] - Fly Fishing Terms Explained
Gel-Spun Polyethylene (GSP) : An extremely strong, thin, and slick synthetic fiber (like Spectra or Dyneema) often used for fly line backing. Its thin diameter allows for much greater capacity on a reel compared to Dacron of similar strength.
Graphite (Carbon Fiber) : The dominant material used for modern fly rod construction due to its excellent strength-to-weight ratio and ability to be engineered for various actions and recovery speeds.
Gravel Guards : Neoprene or fabric cuffs built into the bottom of stockingfoot waders, or separate accessories, designed to fit snugly over wading boots to prevent gravel and sand from entering the boots.
Grip : The handle of the fly rod where the angler holds it, typically made of cork. Common shapes include Cigar, Half Wells, Full Wells, and Reversed Half Wells.
Grilse : An Atlantic salmon returning to its natal river to spawn for the first time after spending only one winter at sea. They are typically smaller than multi-sea-winter salmon.
[ H ] - Fly Fishing Terms Explained
Hackle : Feathers, particularly those from the neck (cape) or back (saddle) of specially bred chickens, used in fly tying. Dry fly hackle has stiff barbs for flotation, while soft hackle (from hen or other birds) is used for wet flies and nymphs to suggest legs and movement.
Hackle Pliers : A small clamp-like tool used in fly tying to grip the tip of a hackle feather securely for wrapping it around the hook shank.
Hair Stacker : A fly tying tool, usually a set of metal or brass tubes, used to align the tips of a bundle of hair (like deer or elk) before tying it onto a fly.
Hatch : The synchronized emergence of a large number of a specific type of aquatic insect, transforming from their nymphal or pupal stage into adults. Hatches often trigger intense feeding activity from fish.
Haul : A distinct pull on the fly line with the non-casting (line) hand during the casting stroke (see Double Haul) to dramatically increase line speed.
Head : The weighted, forward portion of a modern weight-forward fly line, consisting of the tip, front taper, belly, and rear taper. Usually the first 30-40 feet, containing the primary casting weight.
Headwaters : The upper reaches and sources of a river or stream, typically smaller, colder, and higher gradient than the lower sections.
Hollow Hair : Hair from certain mammals (deer, elk, antelope, caribou) contains air pockets, making it highly buoyant. Prized for tying floating flies like dry flies and spun-hair bass bugs.
Hook : The metal foundation upon which an artificial fly is tied. Hooks come in myriad sizes, shapes, wire diameters, eye configurations (up-eye, down-eye, straight-eye), and finishes (bronze, nickel, stainless) designed for specific fly types and fishing situations.
[ I ] - Fly Fishing Terms Explained
Imitative Flies : Fly patterns tied to closely resemble a specific insect species or life stage in shape, size, and color. Often necessary when fish are selectively feeding during a hatch in clear, slow water.
Impressionistic Flies : Fly patterns designed to suggest a general category of food item (like "a nymph" or "a small baitfish") rather than a specific species. They rely on suggesting key triggers like silhouette, size, and movement. Often effective in faster water or when fish aren't feeding selectively.
Indicator (Strike Indicator) : A small, buoyant object (made of yarn, foam, or plastic) attached to the leader when nymph fishing. It serves to suspend nymphs at a desired depth and signal a fish's take by pausing, twitching, or submerging.
[ K ] - Fly Fishing Terms Explained
Knotless Tapered Leader : A leader manufactured as a single, continuous strand of nylon or fluorocarbon that tapers smoothly from a thick butt section to a fine tippet, without any knots.
Knotted Leader : A tapered leader constructed by tying together progressively thinner sections of monofilament using knots like the Blood Knot or Surgeon's Knot. Allows for custom taper designs.
Kype : The pronounced hook-like shape that develops on the lower jaw (mandible) of male salmonids (especially trout and salmon) during their spawning season.
[ L ] - Fly Fishing Terms Explained
Larva : The immature, often worm-like or grub-like, aquatic stage of certain insects like caddisflies and midges, typically living on the stream bottom before pupating.
Lateral Line : A sensory organ running along the sides of most fish, appearing as a faint line. It consists of pores and nerve receptors that detect vibrations and pressure changes in the water, helping fish sense prey and predators.
Leader : The (usually) tapered section of clear line (monofilament or fluorocarbon) connecting the thick, colored fly line to the fly. Its purpose is to be less visible to fish and to help the fly turn over smoothly at the end of the cast.
Line Tip : The very end of the fly line where the leader attaches.
Line Weight : A standardized system (numbered 1 through 14+) based on the weight in grains of the first 30 feet of a fly line. Used to match fly lines with the appropriate stiffness (action) of a fly rod for optimal casting performance.
Loading the Rod : The process of bending the fly rod during the cast by the inertia and weight of the moving fly line. This stored energy is then released to propel the line.
Loop-to-Loop : A convenient method for connecting lines, typically used to attach a leader to a fly line when both have prefabricated loops, or when knots like the Perfection Loop are tied.
[ M ] - Fly Fishing Terms Explained
Mayfly : A group of aquatic insects (Order Ephemeroptera) fundamental to fly fishing globally. Their life cycle (nymph, dun, spinner) is frequently imitated by anglers. Adults are characterized by upright wings at rest, long tails, and typically short lifespans.
Marabou : Soft, fluffy feathers, usually from turkeys, used in fly tying. Its fluid movement in the water makes it excellent for tails and wings on streamers, leeches, and jigs.
Mending Line (or Mending) : A mid-drift adjustment made by flipping a curve (upstream or downstream) into the fly line resting on the water, using the rod tip. It counteracts the effect of varying current speeds on the line to maintain a drag-free drift for the fly.
Midge : A term referring to small insects of the order Diptera, specifically the non-biting Chironomidae family. They undergo a larva-pupa-adult life cycle, and are a staple food source for trout year-round, especially in slow water and lakes. Often imitated with very small patterns (size 18-24+).
Monofilament : A general term for single-strand fishing line, typically made of nylon. Commonly used for leaders, tippets, and sometimes backing.
[ N ] - Fly Fishing Terms Explained
Nail Knot : A traditional, strong, and streamlined knot used to attach the leader's butt section or the backing directly to the fly line core. Often tied using a small tube or specialized tool instead of an actual nail.
Narrow Loop (or Tight Loop) : The desired shape of the fly line as it travels through the air during a good cast – a tight, U-shape moving parallel to the ground. Efficiently transfers energy and improves accuracy and distance. Formed by a smooth acceleration and crisp stop within a controlled casting arc.
Needle Nail Knot : A variation of the nail knot where the leader butt or backing is threaded inside the fly line coating for a short distance before exiting and being tied off with the nail knot, creating an even smoother transition.
Nymph : The underwater, immature stage of certain aquatic insects like mayflies, stoneflies, and damselflies. Also refers to the artificial flies tied to imitate these forms.
Nymphing : The technique of fishing with artificial nymphs near the stream bottom or suspended in the water column, often using indicators or tight-line methods to detect takes.
[ O ] - Fly Fishing Terms Explained
Open Loop (or Wide Loop) : An undesirable, wide, inefficient loop shape in the fly line during the cast, often caused by too wide a casting arc or poor timing. Wastes energy and reduces casting accuracy and distance.
[ P ] - Fly Fishing Terms Explained
Palming : Applying extra drag pressure when fighting a fish by cupping the palm of the hand against the exposed rim of the fly reel's spool (on reels designed for this).
Parachute : A style of dry fly where the hackle is wrapped horizontally around the base of an upright wing post, rather than vertically around the hook shank. This allows the fly's body to sit lower, in the surface film, creating a more realistic profile for emergers or duns.
Pectoral fins : The pair of fins located on each side of a fish, usually just behind the gill covers. Analogous to front limbs.
Pelvic fins : The pair of fins located ventrally (on the underside) of a fish, below or behind the pectoral fins. Analogous to hind limbs. Also called ventral fins.
Pick-Up and Lay Down : A simple, efficient cast involving lifting the line from the water into a single backcast, then immediately making the forward cast to deliver the fly, without intermediate false casts. Useful for wet flies, streamers, or when quick presentations are needed.
Popping Bug (or Popper) : A type of bass bug or surface fly, typically with a cupped or flat face made of hard materials like cork, balsa wood, or foam, designed to create a splash or "pop" when stripped across the water to attract predatory fish.
Presentation : The entire process of delivering the fly to the fish in a way that imitates the natural food item and induces a strike. Encompasses casting accuracy, managing the line for a good drift (or retrieve), and selecting the appropriate fly.
Pupa : The transitional stage in the life cycle of insects like caddisflies and midges, between the larva and the adult. Many pupae are active swimmers as they ascend to the surface to hatch, making them important for fly fishers to imitate.
[ R ] - Fly Fishing Terms Explained
Reach Cast : A casting modification where the angler "reaches" the rod upstream or downstream during the forward cast before the line straightens, laying the line on the water with built-in slack or angle to achieve a better initial drift.
Rear Taper : The section of a weight-forward fly line where the thick belly section gradually decreases in diameter to transition into the thinner running line.
Redd : A spawning nest cleared in the gravel of a riverbed by female salmonids (trout, salmon) using their tails. Eggs are deposited in the depression and then covered with gravel. Anglers should avoid wading on or disturbing redds.
Reel Seat : The component on the fly rod handle that secures the fly reel to the rod, typically using threaded locking rings or sliding bands over the reel foot.
Retrieve : The action of bringing the fly line (and fly) back towards the angler after a cast, especially when fishing streamers or wet flies. Can involve various speeds and motions (strips, pauses, swings) to impart action to the fly.
Riffle : A shallow, faster-flowing section of a stream where the water surface is broken by turbulence as it flows over rocks or gravel. Often well-oxygenated and productive areas for insects and feeding fish.
Riparian : Relating to, or situated on, the banks of a river or stream. The riparian zone is the ecosystem along the waterway.
Rise : The visual disturbance on the water surface when a fish comes up to feed, usually on insects at or near the surface. Rise forms can indicate what the fish is eating (e.g., sipping midges vs. slashing at caddis).
Rod Flex : How a fly rod bends under load; synonymous with Action.
Roll Cast : A fundamental fly cast performed without a traditional backcast, useful when obstructions behind the angler prevent a standard cast. It involves forming a loop of line off the rod tip and using a forward casting motion to "roll" the line out onto the water. Essential for fishing with sinking lines.
Run : (1) Fish behavior: A fish's rapid swim away from the angler after being hooked, taking line from the reel. (2) Stream feature: A section of stream with moderate depth and current speed, smoother than a riffle but faster than a pool. Often found between riffles and pools.
Running Line : (1) The thin, level diameter portion of a weight-forward fly line behind the head section, designed to shoot easily through the rod guides for distance. (2) A separate, thin line (often specialized monofilament or coated braid) attached behind a shooting head to facilitate long casts.
[ S ] - Fly Fishing Terms Explained
“S” Cast : A casting technique used to introduce deliberate curves or slack into the line and leader as they land on the water, promoting a longer drag-free drift, especially across currents.
Saltwater Taper : A type of weight-forward fly line designed for saltwater conditions, often featuring a more aggressive front taper for turning over larger flies in wind, a harder coating for warm climates, and a heavier core for fighting powerful fish. Similar in concept to a Bass Bug Taper.
Scud : Small, shrimp-like freshwater crustaceans (Amphipods) found in fertile streams and lakes, particularly spring creeks and tailwaters. An important year-round food source often imitated with simple, curved nymph patterns.
Setting the Hook : The deliberate action taken by the angler, upon detecting a strike, to drive the hook point firmly into the fish's mouth. Usually involves a quick lift or strip of the line.
Shooting Taper (ST) or Shooting Head : A short (typically 20-40 feet), heavy section of fly line designed purely for casting distance. It's attached to a thin running line. Anglers cast the head and then "shoot" the running line through the guides. Allows for easy changing of line densities (floating/sinking) by swapping heads. Popular in Spey casting, saltwater, and for covering large water.
Sink Rate : The speed at which a sinking fly line descends through the water column, typically measured in inches per second (ips). Sinking lines are available in various rates from Intermediate (very slow) to Fast or Extra Fast.
Sink-Tip Fly Line (F/S) : A fly line where most of the line floats, but the front section (tip) is designed to sink. Available with various lengths of sinking tips (e.g., 5ft, 10ft, 15ft). Useful for fishing streamers or nymphs just below the surface without the entire line sinking.
Sinking Fly Line (S) : A fly line designed so its entire length sinks below the water surface. Available in various sink rates (see Sink Rate) to reach different depths.
Spawn : The act of reproduction in fish, including courtship behavior, nest building (in some species), and the release and fertilization of eggs.
Spey Cast : A family of water-anchored casts developed on Scotland's River Spey, typically performed with two-handed rods. These casts (like the Single Spey, Double Spey, Snap T) allow for long casts with minimal or no traditional backcast space, ideal for large rivers.
Spinner : The final, sexually mature adult stage (imago) of a mayfly after it has molted from the dun stage. Spinners typically mate in flight, and females return to the water surface to lay eggs, often dying shortly after (a "spinner fall").
Spool : The part of the fly reel that rotates and holds the backing and fly line. Often interchangeable on quality reels, allowing anglers to carry spools with different line types.
Standing Line (or Standing Part) : The main part of a line to which a knot is tied, as opposed to the tag end used to form the knot.
Steelhead : The anadromous (sea-run) form of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Known for their large size, strength, and challenging nature. Also refers to similar migratory rainbow trout found in the Great Lakes system.
Stonefly : An important group of aquatic insects (Order Plecoptera) found in clean, well-oxygenated streams, often with rocky bottoms. Nymphs are typically large and crawl out of the water onto rocks or vegetation to hatch into adults. Adults have two pairs of wings that fold flat over their back at rest.
Streamer : A type of artificial fly designed to imitate baitfish, leeches, crayfish, or other larger aquatic prey. Typically larger than nymphs or dry flies and often tied with feathers and/or hair to create movement and profile. Fished subsurface with active retrieves.
Stripping line : Retrieving line by pulling it in with the line hand (the hand not holding the rod), usually in short or long pulls, rather than reeling it in. The primary way to retrieve line and impart action when fishing streamers or wet flies.
Surgeon’s Knot : A simple, strong knot for joining two lines together, especially useful for tying leader sections of different diameters. Commonly used for attaching tippet to a leader or building knotted leaders.
[ T ] - Fly Fishing Terms Explained
Tag (Tag End) : The short, terminal end of a line that is used actively when tying a knot. Usually trimmed after the knot is tightened.
Tailwater : The section of a river located immediately downstream from a dam. Tailwaters often have regulated flows and relatively stable water temperatures, which can create highly productive trout fisheries.
Tapered Leader : A leader designed to gradually decrease in diameter from the thick butt end (connecting to the fly line) to the fine tippet end (where the fly is tied). This taper helps transfer casting energy smoothly for better fly turnover and presentation.
Terrestrial : Insects that live primarily on land, such as ants, beetles, grasshoppers, crickets, and spiders. They often fall or get blown into the water and become important food sources for fish, especially during summer and fall. Flies imitating them are also called terrestrials.
Thorax : The middle section of an insect's body, between the head and the abdomen, where the legs and wings (if present) attach. In fly tying, often refers to a built-up section behind the bead or head, frequently made with dubbing.
Tight Loop : Synonymous with Narrow Loop. The desirable, efficient loop shape in a fly cast.
Tip Section : The uppermost, thinnest section of a multi-piece fly rod.
Tippet : The final, thinnest section of a tapered leader, to which the fly is tied. Usually sold on small spools by diameter (X-size) and breaking strength, allowing anglers to replace the end section as needed or adjust for fly size and water conditions.
Turn Over : Describes the process at the end of the cast where the leader straightens out fully, delivering the fly accurately. Proper leader taper and casting technique contribute to good turnover.
[ U ] - Fly Fishing Terms Explained
Unloading the Rod : The straightening of the fly rod during the cast, releasing the stored energy (from loading) back into the fly line to propel it forward or backward.
[ V ] - Fly Fishing Terms Explained
Vest : A wearable garment with multiple pockets designed for fly fishers to carry fly boxes, tools, leader spools, floatant, and other accessories conveniently while fishing, especially when wading. Chest packs and sling packs offer alternatives.
Vise : A tool used in fly tying to securely hold the hook while materials are being attached. Vises range from simple clamps to complex rotary models.
[ W ] - Fly Fishing Terms Explained
Waders : Waterproof garments worn to keep an angler dry while standing in water. Boot-foot waders have boots permanently attached. Stocking-foot waders have neoprene booties requiring separate wading boots, offering better ankle support and traction options. Materials include breathable fabrics (like Gore-Tex) and neoprene.
Wading Shoes (or Wading Boots) : Sturdy, specialized footwear worn over the neoprene booties of stocking-foot waders. Designed for traction in slippery riverbeds, often featuring felt soles, rubber soles, or soles with metal studs.
Warm Water : Refers to fisheries (lakes, ponds, rivers) where water temperatures are generally too high to support coldwater species like trout and salmon year-round. Common warmwater gamefish include bass (largemouth, smallmouth), panfish (sunfish, crappie), pike, musky, and carp.
Weight Forward (WF) : The most popular modern fly line taper design. Features a shorter, heavier "head" section (combining tip, front taper, belly, rear taper) followed by a long, thin "running line." Designed to load the rod easily and shoot line for distance. Versatile for many fishing situations.
Wet Fly : (1) Broadly, any fly fished beneath the water surface (includes nymphs and streamers). (2) Specifically, a traditional style of subsurface fly characterized by a down-wing or swept-back wing, a soft hackle collar suggesting movement, and often a simple body. Used to imitate emerging insects, drowned duns, or even small baitfish, typically fished with a "swing" across the current.
Wet Fly Swing : A classic presentation method where the angler casts the wet fly across and slightly downstream, then allows the current to "swing" the fly across the river below their position, often imparting subtle action with the rod tip.
Wind Knot : A common misnomer for an overhand knot that accidentally forms in the leader or tippet, usually caused by flaws in the casting stroke (like tailing loops). These knots severely weaken the leader's breaking strength and should be removed.
[ X ] - Fly Fishing Terms Explained
X : A sizing system used to denote the diameter of leader and tippet material. The larger the number preceding the 'X', the thinner the material (e.g., 3X is thicker than 5X). A rough formula: Diameter in thousandths of an inch ≈ (11 - X number) / 1000. (Example: 4X ≈ (11-4)/1000 = 0.007 inches).
Speak Fluent Fly Fishing!
Getting comfortable with these fly fishing terms will open up a deeper understanding of the sport. Keep this glossary handy as you learn, read, and talk with other anglers. Before you know it, "mending a dead drift with a parachute Adams on 6X tippet" will sound perfectly natural! Tight lines!