dry fly

noun

: an artificial angling fly designed to float

Examples of dry fly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For some anglers, catching a native trout enriches the experience of angling — especially when the fish are eager to rise to a dry fly as a Gila trout can be. — Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 8 Sep. 2026

One dry fly is to play a special role. — Ralph Tuttle, Outdoor Life, 25 June 2026

This exclusive, private-use retreat in a former fishing lodge by Hampshire’s River Test is a paradise for dry fly-fishing enthusiasts. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Mar. 2026

The cutthroats aren’t huge but are known to rise quickly for dry flies. — Brian Higgins, Outside Online, 20 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dry fly

• apply
• awry
• belie
• bely
• bigeye
• bonsai
• buckeye
• comply
• coxae
• decry
• defy
• deny

Kids Definition

dry fly

noun

: a fishing fly designed to float on the water