Review: IdentaFly App

With hundreds of different fly patterns to choose from these days, it can be hard to know which is which. If you're like me, you've got hundreds of flies in your vest, but can only actually name the most common ones: Adams, prince, humpy, hare's ear, elk-hair caddis, etc. The loosed-lipped guy at the boat ramp tells you they crushed 'em yesterday on "PT emergers," and you nod knowingly, then rifle through your fly box. By the time you've got all six different emerger patterns in your hand, he's gone, and you're back to square one, facing a long day of trial-and-error.

Fret no more; the long-overdue IdentaFly is here, helping you identify fly patterns with the snap of a photo. Just put the fly in your hand, scan it with your phone or tablet, and voila, there's your pattern: the name and all its particulars. What's more, the app has got a huge library of both flies and insects, so you can learn what's what, as situations arise. Flies show related patterns, and patterns show alternate patterns, helping you dial in your selection for the conditions at hand. On top of all that, there's information about specific rivers, a hatch chart, logs for both flies and catches, and other handy features that'll answer your questions, keep you organized, and improve your knowledge of flies and fly fishing.

$30/yr.; identafly.app or download from the Google or Apple app stores.