True Flies

Notable members of this class, such as midges and mosquitoes, serve as food sources for various fish species and inspire a multitude of fly patterns.

Diversity and distribution

The Diptera class consists of more than 150,000 known species, organized into approximately 160 families and numerous genera. True flies have a worldwide distribution and can be found in virtually every habitat.

Life cycles of true flies

The life cycle of true flies typically consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. After mating, female true flies lay their eggs near or on water sources. The eggs then hatch into larvae, which can be aquatic or terrestrial depending on the species.

Larvae feed on various organic materials, such as decaying plant matter, algae, and other small organisms. As they grow, they undergo several molts before entering the pupal stage. During this stage, the larvae transform into adults within a protective casing.

Once fully developed, adult true flies emerge from their pupal cases and take flight. Adult flies have a relatively short lifespan, during which their primary objective is to find a mate and reproduce.

True Flies in fly fishing

Several species of true flies, particularly midges and mosquitoes, play a crucial role in fly fishing due to their abundance in freshwater ecosystems and their importance as a food source for fish.

Larval and pupal patterns

Since true flies spend a significant portion of their lives as larvae and pupae, patterns that mimic these stages can be highly effective in fly fishing. Larval patterns, such as the Zebra Midge or the Brassie, imitate the appearance and behavior of true fly larvae, while pupal patterns like the WD-40 or the Pheasant Tail Nymph imitate the pupal stage. These patterns are particularly effective when fish are feeding on true flies undergoing metamorphosis. 

Adult patterns

Adult patterns are mostly used when fish are actively feeding on adult true flies, which typically occurs during and shortly after a hatch. Some popular adult true fly patterns include the Griffith's Gnat, the Mosquito Dry Fly, and the Palomino Midge.