Fly sizes correspond directly
to the standardized sizes given to their hooks by the manufacturer. The normal
range of fly sizes for freshwater flies for everyday use is #4 to #26.
In saltwater, where much larger fish are encountered, sizes range from #1 to #6/0.
The sizes below are relative, but quite accurate.
freshwater
fly sizes
saltwater
fly sizes
#4 (largest)
#6/0 (largest)
#26
(smallest)
#1/0 (smallest)
The chart below shows the normal
practical range
of sizes of the various types of flies:
Fly type
Range
Largest size
Smallest size
Dry flies
#8
- #22
size
8
size
22
Wet flies
#10
- #16
size
10
size
16
Nymphs
#8
- #20
size
8
size
20
Streamers
#4
- #12
size
4
size
12
Saltwater
1/0
- 6/0
size 1/0
size
6/0
Salmon
#4
- #12
size
4
size
12
Previous / Another form of
classification can be seen in the various "styles"
of flies