Can Fly Flies Fly With Wet Wings?

A fly’s wings become wet after an encounter with water droplets. The droplets are small enough to be absorbed and then pass through the flies’ hairs to the main body and appendages. The upper surface of a fly’s wings contains a narrow space between macrotrichia. This space allows for small droplets to pass through, which increases the probability of passing through the macrotrichia layer to about 30%. In addition, droplets also must pass the microtrichia in order to reach the main body.

The Black Spider is one of the oldest wet flies known. Its origins are mysterious, with some saying it was tied as a headache remedy. The Black Bomber, invented by Tom Cramer in the 1970s, is a modern adaptation of a traditional wet fly. It differs slightly from the original pattern, and can be tied in a variety of colors depending on the water conditions. The Blue Charm is another classic wet fly with origins in the 1920s.

Wet flies are also more popular with beginners, who are not so sure of their casting skills. They are more effective at catching fish in murky waters because they can be cast without spooking the fish.