Dragonfly

Overview

Dragonflies (order Odonata) are large, aggressive predators both underwater and in the air, common around ponds, lakes, and slow-moving water. Their nymphs are ambush predators that make up a substantial part of a stillwater trout or bass's diet, while adults patrol territory on the wing and occasionally draw strikes when they dip too close to the surface.

Nymph

Nymphs have flattened bodies with six long, tightly bunched, spider-like legs set high on the body. Large eyes dominate a relatively small head, with two short antennae. They run up to 1 inch, colored ginger to dark brown. Hook sizes: 6 to 10.

Dry/Adult

Adults carry a pair of large eyes and two pairs of robust, transparent wings spanning 2 to 6 inches, occasionally marked with colored patches, spots, or bands. At rest, wings are held flat and spread apart — unlike a damselfly's vertical, folded wings. Colors run yellow, red, brown, and blue. Males typically show transparent wings with a bright blue, green, or purple body, while females tend toward a golden-brown color that can extend to the wings. Hook sizes: 4 to 8.

Curated by the IdentaFly fly fishing team.