- Artificial flies have been used to catch fish for centuries. "Aelian's Natural History," written in approximately A.D. 200, describes catching fish using artificial flies made from wool and feathers. Fly fishing currently enjoys widespread popularity. Approximately 14 percent of people responding to the Outdoor Recreation Participation 2009 Topline Report identified themselves as fly fishermen.
- An artificial fly consists of various materials wrapped around the shaft of a metal hook in a manner that imitates an insect, small fish of other food form. These materials vary depending on what is being imitated. Commonly used materials include fur, feathers, animal hair, wool and silk.
- Dry flies are used on the surface of the water and are generally constructed of buoyant materials. Most dry flies are designed to imitate the adult stage of aquatic insects. However, certain dry flies, known as terrestrials, imitate land-based insects that have washed into the water.
- Wet flies resemble drowned adult aquatic insects. These flies are used beneath the surface of the water and are designed to sink.
- Nymphs imitate the underwater life-stage of aquatic insects and are typically used near the bottom of the river. Nymphs are simple flies to tie and may be weighted to sink more quickly.
- Streamers are tied to imitate small fish rather than insects. Streamers generally consist of long stands of natural or synthetic fibers and are frequently larger than other types of artificial flies.