A dry fly sitting perfectly on the water’s surface, mimicking a natural insect, is the heart and soul of dry fly fishing. But keeping it there, cast after cast, requires a little help. This is where the best dry fly floatant becomes an angler’s most trusted ally. With a bewildering array of gels, powders, and liquids on the market, choosing the right one can be as challenging as a selective trout. This guide will walk you through the top-rated floatants, helping you make an informed decision for your next fishing adventure.
The Heavyweights: Top 5 Dry Fly Floatants
After extensive research and scouring through angler reviews and expert opinions, we’ve narrowed down the five best-rated fly fishing floatants that consistently receive top marks for performance and reliability.
| Floatant | Type | Best For | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loon Aquel | Gel | General Purpose | Temperature-stable formula |
| Gehrke’s Gink | Gel | Traditional Dry Flies | Time-tested performance |
| Frog’s Fanny | Powder | CDC & Delicate Flies | Excellent drying and floating properties. |
| Umpqua Shimazaki Dry-Shake | Powder/Desiccant | Reviving Soaked Flies | Restores and floats in one go. |
| Loon Lochsa | Gel | CDC Flies | Safe for delicate feathers |
In-Depth Reviews of the Best Fly Fishing Floatants
1. Loon Aquel: The All-Around Performer
Loon Aquel is a modern classic and a favorite among many fly fishers for its consistent performance. As highlighted in demonstrations by Loon, a key feature of Aquel is that its viscosity remains stable across a wide range of temperatures. This means it won’t turn into a runny, petrochemical mess in the summer heat or a solid brick in the cold, ensuring reliable application every time. This premium gel floatant is silicone-based and provides excellent water repellency.
For the best results, it is crucial to apply Aquel to the fly when it is still completely dry, before you even make your first cast. Think of it like putting on a raincoat before you go out into a storm; this pre-treatment creates a barrier that repels water from the start, rather than trying to trap water out of an already wet fly. A small dab worked into the fly’s materials is all that is needed. Once your fly eventually becomes waterlogged from catching fish, simply dry it thoroughly before reapplying as needed. It is important to note, however, that this floatant is not recommended for use on flies with Cul de Canard (CDC) feathers, as it can cause them to mat.
Pros:
- Temperature-stable, ensuring consistent viscosity.
- Best applied to a dry fly as a pre-treatment.
- Long-lasting and doesn’t leave a heavy slick on the water.
Cons:
- Not suitable for CDC flies.
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How to use Loon Aquel
2. Gehrke’s Gink: The Original Game-Changer
For decades, Gink has been a staple in fly fishing vests, and for good reason. It was one of the first truly effective gel floatants and has a loyal following. This time-tested formula is excellent for treating traditional dry flies with hair and hackle. A small amount worked into the fly’s fibers will keep it riding high. Its main drawback is its susceptibility to temperature changes, becoming thick in the cold and thin in the heat. Like Aquel, it should be avoided on CDC flies.
Pros:
- Proven, long-standing reputation.
- Affordable and widely available.
- Excellent for most standard dry flies.
Cons:
- Viscosity is affected by temperature.
- Not for use on CDC flies.
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How to use Gehrke’s Gink
3. Frog’s Fanny: The Powder Powerhouse
When it comes to delicate flies, especially those with CDC, Frog’s Fanny is a game-changer. This fine, hydrophobic powder not only makes your fly float but also has desiccant properties, meaning it helps to dry a waterlogged fly. It’s applied with a brush, allowing for precise application to even the most delicate wings and bodies. Many anglers swear by its ability to bring a slimed or soaked fly back to life. Some users note that the powder can be a bit messy, especially on a windy day.
Pros:
- Excellent for CDC and other delicate flies.
- Acts as both a floatant and a desiccant.
- Can create a natural-looking air bubble on nymphs.
Cons:
- Can be messy to apply in windy conditions.
- The brush application can be less convenient for some.
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4. Umpqua Shimazaki Dry-Shake: The Ultimate Reviver
The Umpqua Shimazaki Dry-Shake is a must-have for any serious dry fly angler. This product is a combination of a powerful desiccant and a powder floatant. When your fly inevitably becomes saturated, a quick shake in the Dry-Shake container will absorb the moisture and coat the fly with a fresh layer of floatant, restoring it to its former glory. It’s particularly effective on CDC flies that can be difficult to dry and re-treat with other floatants.
Pros:
- Excellent for reviving soaked and slimed flies.
- Easy to use “shake and bake” application.
- Works well on all fly types, including CDC.
Cons:
- The container can be bulky on a lanyard.
- Can leave a slight white residue on the fly
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5. Loon Lochsa: The CDC Specialist
Loon Lochsa is the answer for anglers who love to fish with CDC patterns but prefer the convenience of a gel floatant. Specifically formulated to be safe for delicate CDC feathers, Lochsa will not mat them down like other gels. It has a thinner consistency than traditional gels, allowing it to penetrate and coat delicate materials effectively. This makes it a versatile option for all your dry flies, especially when you have a mix of standard and CDC patterns in your box.
Pros:
- Specifically designed for and safe to use on CDC flies.
- Temperature-stable formula.
- Versatile for all types of dry flies.
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than standard gel floatants.
How to use Locha fly floatant
How to Choose the Right Dry Fly Floatant
With so many excellent options, the best floatant often comes down to the types of flies you’re using and your personal preference.
- For General Use: If you primarily fish with traditional hair and hackle dry flies, a quality gel floatant like Loon Aquel or Gehrke’s Gink is a reliable and cost-effective choice.
- For CDC and Delicate Flies: When fishing with CDC patterns or other delicate flies, a powder floatant like Frog’s Fanny or a CDC-safe gel like Loon Lochsa is essential to avoid damaging the feathers.
- For Reviving Drowned Flies: To bring a waterlogged fly back to life, a desiccant powder like Umpqua Shimazaki Dry-Shake is invaluable and can save you from constantly tying on a new fly.
Final Cast
The right dry fly floatant can significantly enhance your time on the water, leading to better presentations and more fish in the net. By understanding the strengths of each type of floatant, you can build a small arsenal that covers all your dry fly fishing needs. Whether you opt for the all-around performance of a gel, the delicate touch of a powder, or the reviving power of a desiccant, investing in a quality floatant is a small price to pay for a perfect drift.
