Morning,
When we first launched Barbless Flies, way back in 2014 (see our original logo below) we started with only two selections of dry flies.
Our initial aim was to put together separate universal selections of flies which you could take to any water in the UK, and be confident of catching fish.
As the weather starts to warm (hopefully!) within the next few weeks, fly anglers from across the country will be blowing the dust off their fly boxes and putting them to use in anger on our rivers and stillwaters.
Our Specialist Dry Selection had not changed at all since we first launched it twelve years ago - until now.
We've only replaced a few patterns, with ones which have earned their place, and given the others a tweak with updated materials to make them usable in even more fishing situations you may find when using dry flies.
Our Updated for 2026 Specialist Dry Selection contains four patterns. Three of which you will find in virtually every anglers fly box:
The March Brown Jingler - An imitation of the Large Dark Olive, this spider like fly is fished dry and sits just in the meniscus. Can be used in either early or late season, one of the new generation of flies. Our selection contains two each of sizes 14 & 18.
Kite's Imperial - Designed by Oliver Kite in the 1960s This fly probably accounts for more fish due to its uncanny resemblance to a Large Dark Olive dun. This selection contains two each of sizes 14 & 16.
IOBO Humpy - One of the best named flies around - it stands for It Oughta Be Outlawed! The IOBO Humpy was originally designed and tied by Jack Tucker of Pennsylvania, USA. Very simple to tie (using a single CdC feather), floats like a cork and is deadly. Our selection contains two each of sizes 14 & 18.
Iron Blue Paradun - The parachute style of Iron Blue imitation is tied to imitate the insect which has hatched and is resting on the surface - waiting for its wings to dry out. The perfect time for a trout to intercept it. This selection contains two each of sizes 14 & 16.
Our Updated for 2026 Specialist Dry Selection is now available as a full selection of 16 flies (4 different patterns - see above). We are supplying all of these for only £22.50, shipped to you FREE of charge in our eco-friendly packaging (if you're in the UK).
Just click on any image or button in this email to view the flies in more detail.
Please Note: Take a look at the very end of this email for some tips on how to maintain the floatability - if that even a word - of your dry fly.
*** Go on - you know you want to ***
Dry Fly Boxes
If you're looking for somewhere to store your nice new dry flies, then look no further, as we have our very own stunning slimline silicone fly boxes. With either our own funky 'fish flank' designs or just the pain old box:
We've had our artist guy over in the USA (Ryan) on the tools/brushes again, this time he's come up with some stunning artwork, which we just had to adorn our NEW fly boxes with - they look (and feel) absolutely stunning and are still mega-slim!
He's penned (or brushed) three separate designs for us:
- Brown Trout
- Rainbow Trout; and
- Brook Trout
As you can see from the images, they look stunning:
We've applied Ryan's works of art to our NEW fly boxes. These lightweight triangular-slit silicone fly boxes are ideal to carry all the flies you want for a day on the water. With their super slimline design (only 15mm deep), they will easily fit your dry flies without crushing the hackles and then slip into a chest or vest pocket.
- Holds up to 93 flies - Perfect for a full day on the water -
Here are the details:
- Employing a Triangular-Slit Silicone storage system which:
- Holds flies tight - every time
- Does not degrade over time
- Lime Green colour for high contrast against any flies
- Lightweight & slim poly-carbonate box
- Measuring 13cm x 9cm x 1.5cm and holds up to 93 flies
- Interlocking tear-drop slits - ideal for a day on the water
- Magnetic latch system
Go on, what are you waiting for, buy one and fill it up with our flies!
When fishing with dry flies there is one key aspect that the fly angler needs to concentrate on - keeping them afloat!
Keeping your dry flies floating on the water - not in it - is one of the main skills for effective dry fly fishing. If you follow these steps you can be confident that your dries will stay afloat throughout the day:
- Only ever apply a gel/paste/liquid floatant to a fly that is 100% dry - i.e. it's straight out of your fly box and not seen the water that day. Applying this type of floatant to a fly that is damp will lock in the moisture and not allow it to float.
- Once you've had a fish, or your fly starts to sink, give it a squeeze between some amadou/a drying towel or piece of kitchen roll (or use the 'elastic band' method - see below). Once you've removed the water and the fly is dry you can then freshen up the fly using one of the powder style floatants. Just brush the powder deep into the feathers and give it a blow to remove any excess.
Top Tip: Use the 'Elastic Band' method to remove water from your fly:
- Attach an elastic band to your vest/pack.
- Hook your fly around the elastic band.
- Holding the tippet, pull the fly to stretch the elastic band.
- Channel your inner Jimi Hendrix and twang the elastic band a few times with your free hand.
- This will shed all of the excess water from the fly!
Tight lines & happy twanging.
