The life expectancy of a fly...

[Todd Oishi]

"A standard dry fly should hold up through a dozen fish, a typical nymph or wet fly through 20. Fifty fish is possible with a rugged streamer." — David Lee

I generally tend to agree with this statement, so long as the fly is tied with a reasonably durable material. What are your thoughts and experiences???

[Chris Smorul]

The fish in my little creek are bad ass, they'll kill a fly after 4-5 hook-ups.    lol, seriously I think the number would vary with the size of the fish you are catching, bigger fish have bigger teeth.

[Chris Puchniak]

I find some really variable results, depending on the materials (of course).  And its funny, but sometimes on certain days, the fish's "teeth" seem far more sharp than on other days... (somedays my flies just get thrashed).

On the dries, that sounds right.

On nymphs, mine usually last for 50+ fish... if I don't hook up on bottom.  I have some mayfly and caddis patterns that I have used the same fly for 2 years without having to replace them or lose them (I don't know how many fish - at least a hundred hits?).  But I tie these rugged for bottom bouncing.

On some of my chironomids, I have some that last, but most actually get ruined after 10 fish.  Some of the expoxy ones last quit a bit longer though.  On average, my midges don't last that long (the peacock herl ones especially).

On streamers, most of those I use in brackish waters with some salt to it, and I find regardless of the number of fish, the saltwater (even diluted in the tidal waters) really kills the materials.  Ruins mylar very quickly for me.

Lastly, I have to admit that leeches are among my favourites - and some of the marabou patterns I use which appear delicate have lasted me an amazingly long time (I think).  I have some in my box that I'm pretty sure have hooked over 300 fish. 

[Todd Huber]

You tie a solid dry fly Todd. After 12 fish my dries look more like a cripple. That's not a bad thing I guess.  

I did find a decent way to bring a matted dry fly back to life. Find an old tea pot with a long curved narrow spout. Fill with water, bring to a boil. Plenty of steam is necessary. Hold the dry fly over the spout - in the steam for a bit, and you will see the hackle come back to life in most cases.

[John Killinger]

My flies don't last long, they fall victim to many trees, rocks, and logs......Ha ha

[Mike Norton]

use the best material you can get and tie great they usually last for me anyways but hten there are those days they dont too.......I also tend to try to us a little extra glue if possible to help it hold up  but not on all my flies.