Watching a perfectly presented dry fly sink the moment it hits the water? Yeah, that’s happened to me more times than I care to admit. Good floatant is essential for keeping those dries riding high, and honestly, not all floatants are created equal. Some turn your flies into a greasy mess, others just don’t last, and a few actually gunk up your line. I’ve spent years trying different options, and I’m here to share what I’ve found to be the best of the best. Here are my top picks to keep your dry flies floating like a dream.
Product Overview / Quick Summary:
- Loon Outdoors Aquel Gel Floatant: Best overall, great for all types of dry flies.
- Scientific Anglers Dry Fly Floatant: Excellent value, reliable performance.
- Gink Fly Floatant: Classic choice, known for its longevity.
- Frog’s Fanny Dry Fly Floatant: Unique powder formula, ideal for delicate flies.
- Fly Agra: All-natural, eco-friendly option, good for the environment.
Top 5 Best Dry Fly Floatants
1. Loon Outdoors Aquel Gel Floatant
Loon Aquel is my go-to floatant for most situations. It’s a gel-based formula that’s easy to apply and does a fantastic job of keeping dry flies afloat, even after multiple casts. Plus, it doesn’t leave a greasy residue.
Pros:
- ✅ Easy to apply
- ✅ Excellent flotation
- ✅ Doesn’t leave a greasy residue
Cons:
- ❌ Can be a bit pricey
- ❌ Squeeze bottle can sometimes dispense too much
- ❌ Can attract dust if not applied carefully
Verdict: If you’re looking for a reliable, all-around floatant, Loon Aquel is hard to beat. It’s a great choice for anglers of all skill levels.
2. Scientific Anglers Dry Fly Floatant
This Scientific Anglers floatant is a fantastic budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on performance. I’ve used this for years and it consistently delivers. It is a liquid-based floatant that is easy to apply and keeps your flies floating high even in riffles and runs.
Pros:
- ✅ Great value for the price
- ✅ Effective flotation
- ✅ Easy application
Cons:
- ❌ Not as long-lasting as some other options
- ❌ Can sometimes leave a slight sheen on the water
- ❌ Bottle can leak if not stored upright
Verdict: For anglers looking for a reliable and affordable floatant, the Scientific Anglers Dry Fly Floatant is an excellent choice. You get great performance without breaking the bank.
3. Gink Fly Floatant
Gink is a classic for a reason. This paste floatant has been around for ages, and it’s still a favorite among many anglers. Its thick formula provides excellent water repellency and is known for its long-lasting effects. I remember my grandpa using Gink; it’s a legacy product that really works.
Pros:
- ✅ Long-lasting flotation
- ✅ Repels water effectively
- ✅ A trusted classic
Cons:
- ❌ Can be a bit messy to apply
- ❌ Can sometimes leave a greasy film
- ❌ Strong odor
Verdict: If you’re looking for a floatant that you can apply once and forget about for a while, Gink is a solid choice. It’s a bit old-school, but it gets the job done.
4. Frog’s Fanny Dry Fly Floatant
Frog’s Fanny is a unique powder-based floatant that’s particularly well-suited for delicate dry flies. The powder absorbs water and helps to restore the fly’s original buoyancy without clumping or matting the materials. I especially like this for mayflies.
Pros:
- ✅ Great for delicate flies
- ✅ Absorbs water effectively
- ✅ Doesn’t clump or mat materials
Cons:
- ❌ Can be a bit messy to apply
- ❌ Requires more frequent application
- ❌ Can be affected by wind during application
Verdict: If you’re fishing with small, delicate dry flies, Frog’s Fanny is an excellent option. Its powder formula will keep your flies floating without damaging them.
5. Fly Agra
Fly Agra is an all-natural, eco-friendly floatant made from plant-based ingredients. It’s a great option for anglers who are concerned about the environmental impact of their gear. While I have never used it, I have many friends who swear by it and love that it doesn’t have any harmful chemicals.
Pros:
- ✅ All-natural and eco-friendly
- ✅ Effective flotation
- ✅ Non-toxic
Cons:
- ❌ May not last as long as synthetic options
- ❌ Can be more expensive
- ❌ Availability may be limited
Verdict: If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly floatant that still performs well, Fly Agra is a great choice. It’s a bit pricier, but you can feel good about using a sustainable product.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right dry fly floatant can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few things to consider:
- Type of Floatant: Gels, liquids, pastes, and powders each have their pros and cons. Gels are easy to apply and generally work well for most flies. Liquids are good for treating large numbers of flies quickly. Pastes are long-lasting but can be messy. Powders are best for delicate flies.
- Fly Type: For small, delicate flies, powder floatants are often the best choice. For larger, more robust flies, gels or pastes may be more effective.
- Water Conditions: In fast-moving water, you’ll need a floatant that provides strong water repellency and lasts a long time. In slower water, a lighter floatant may suffice.
- Environmental Considerations: If you’re concerned about the environment, look for all-natural or biodegradable floatants.
- Ease of Application: Consider how easy the floatant is to apply. Some floatants require more finesse than others.
FAQs
Q: How often should I apply floatant?
A: It depends on the floatant and the water conditions. As a general rule, reapply whenever you notice your fly starting to sink or become waterlogged.
Q: Can I use floatant on nymphs or streamers?
A: Floatant is designed for dry flies. Using it on nymphs or streamers will likely reduce their sink rate, which is usually not desirable. There are sinkants specifically designed for nymphs and streamers.
Q: Will floatant damage my fly line?
A: Most floatants are safe for fly lines, but it’s always a good idea to check the product label. Avoid getting excessive amounts of floatant on your line, as it can attract dirt and grime.
Q: How do I clean my fly before applying floatant?
A: You can use a fly dryer or simply blot the fly with a clean cloth or chamois to remove excess water. A dedicated fly cleaning solution can also help to remove dirt and grime.
Q: Is there a difference between floatant for CDC flies and regular dry flies?
A: Yes, CDC (Cul de Canard) feathers require special care. Use a floatant specifically designed for CDC flies to avoid matting the feathers. Powder floatants are generally a good choice for CDC.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dry fly floatant is crucial for a successful day on the water. Experiment with different types to find what works best for you and the flies you use most often. From my experience, Loon Aquel is a fantastic all-around choice, but don’t overlook the value of Scientific Anglers or the long-lasting power of Gink. And remember, a little floatant goes a long way – apply it sparingly and reapply as needed to keep your dries riding high and fooling those trout!
This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click on a link and buy a product, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
