What is a Dry Fly 31?

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

Dry flies are floating patterns designed to imitate adult aquatic insects and ride the surface, which makes them a gnarly option for bass as a topwater approach on sunny mid-summer days. A so-called “Dry Fly 31” isn’t a universal standard in most shops; sizes for dry flies normally run from roughly #6 up to #20– #22 for the smallest trout dries, with even tinier micro dries trending into the high 20s. If you see a pattern or product labeled “31,” it’s either a vendor code or a specific model, not a common size. For bass, you’ll usually shift toward bigger, more visible dries or poppers, and you may borrow classic trout dries when you’re chasing topwater bass in clear water. Either way, the goal is a fly that floats without sinking and draws a strike from cruising or rising fish. 🐟✨

Key ideas to keep in mind as you explore Dry Flies for bass:

- *Pattern choices*: The classic Adams Dry Fly and Elk Hair Caddis are great starting points. They float well, ride naturally, and are easy to tie or buy pre-tied. Check out tying and casting guidance here:
  - [Adams Dry Fly - Most popular dry fly ever created! - McFly Angler Fly Tying Tutorials](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oB_tdFqM-Q)
  - [What is a March Brown? (and a new hackle supplier)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4fqCRunqtc)
  - [Are You Casting a Dry Fly Correctly? Upstream vs. Downstream Casting Strategies](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoR3Mx3sRvs)
  - [IMPROVE Your Dry Fly Fishing: 3 BETTER ways to pick up your fly!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukV-qioRUm0)

- *Size and visibility for bass*: While trout dries sit in the #10–#16 range for easy visibility, bass respond to a larger, more visible topwater presentation. If you’re chasing warm-water topwater, don’t be afraid to bump up to bigger, more buoyant dries or poppers that create commotion on the surface. For fishing small dries in clear water, matching hatch can pay off, but rely on big, confident movements to trigger a bite.

- *Presentation and technique*: Cast slightly upstream, let the fly dock in the surface, and mend to keep a smooth, drifting presentation. Keep your rod tip low to maintain surface float and reduce drag. When a fish sips or slurps, a crisp, short strip and a solid set is the way to go—avoid over-reactive motions that spook nearby fish.

- *A practical tip*: Start with a simple Adams Dry Fly on a light tippet (4–8 lb test, depending on cover) and practice a slow upstream mend. If you’re not getting follows on still water, switch to a more buoyant pattern with a brighter body color to improve visibility.

If you want a quick gear-and-pattern starter kit, check:
- [Outdoor Planet 26 Crystal Bugger/Woolly Bugger/Egg Sucking Leech + Waterproof Fly Box](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FZBSY8N?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [WellieSTR 10PCS CDC Clip Dubbing Clip Hackle Holding Tools Fly Fishing Accessories](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MJXTY91?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

Weather tip (mid-summer context): On hot mid-summer days, keep an eye on water clarity and shade lines. The bite often moves to first- and last-light windows when surface activity is highest. Look for cooler pockets along weed edges and near shade to locate active fish quietly feeding on terrestrials and mayfly activity near the surface. 🌤️🌿

Keep at it, learn the hatch, and enjoy the topwater thrill—there’s nothing like a bass sipping a surface fly to end the day with a smile. Tight lines and happy casting! 😊🎣

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