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Glossary of Fly Fishing Terms U to Z

Term	Description
Undercurrent	The flow of water beneath the surface which can be opposite the surface flow on stillwaters.
Unloading the Rod	Unbending the rod. Transfering the casting energy from the rod back into the fly line.
Upstream	Against the current of the river or stream.
Upwind	Into the wind.
Upwing Flies	The Ephemeroptera order of flies, whose wings are nearly vertical and who possess two or three tails or setae.
USD	Upside down fly
Variant	A dry fly variety wound hackles that are much larger than normally recommended. Also describes variations on a standard pattern.
Veilings	Feathers on Atlantic salmon flies set above, below, or along side the tail or body segments.
Vest	A fly fisher's wearable tackle box, often with removable lower section for wading in waist-high waters.
Vise	A tool used by fly tiers to hold the hook secure as thread, feathers and fur are attached and the fly is being constructed. Usually the most expensive and the single most important purchase for a fly tyer.
Wader Belt	An adjustable belt cinched near the top of chest waders to keep out water, particularly recommended as a precaution to the waders filling up with water in the event of a fall.
Waders	Footed trousers that are constructed of latex, neoprene, Gortex or other waterproof material so as to keep anglers dry. Currently waders come in stocking foot or booted form and can be found in three lengths: hip waders, waist-high waders and chest waders.
Wading Shoes	Shoes built specifically to be worn over stocking foot waders
Wading Staff	A walking stick especially adapted to provide stability to a wading fly angler when moving through fast or deep water. Some wading staffs are foldable and can be kept in a fishing vest pocket until needed.
Wake Fly	A dry fly that creates a splashy, fish-attracting wake when pulled across or through the surface of the water.
Weedguard	A piece of stiff monofilament or light wire attached from the top of the hook and extending in front of the hook point and bend to the hook eye. If properly attached, a weedguard reduces the likelihood of a fly picking up weeds, yet it does not deter the hooking of a fish.
Weight Forward	An easy casting fly line because it carries most of its weight in the forward section of the line, instead of a level middle section, like a double taper, it quickly tapers down to a fine diameter running line which shoots through the guides with less resistance for added distance.
Wet Fly	Any fly fished below the surface of the water; nymphs and streamers are wet flies (2) a traditional style of fly tied with soft, swept back hackle, and a backward sweeping wing; the forerunner of the nymph and streamer.
Wet Fly Swing	A typical presentation method for fishing a wet fly. Cast the fly downstream and across, and then swim it across the current. Commonly used to imitate swimming mayflies, emerging caddis, and small fish and in nymph fishing
Whip Finish	A knot used to tie off the thread when finishing a fly.
Whip Finisher	A tool designed to make whip finishing quick and easy.
Whistler	These are flies used after dark, in deep water, or where visibility is not very good. The large bead-chain eyes and the bulky dressing, create underwater vibration. The bead-chain eyes make the fly dip every time the angler pauses on the retrieve. This gives the fly a jigging motion on the retrieve. It was developed by American West Coast Fly fisherman Dan Blanton. The large wing and bulky body generate sound waves in low-visibility water so tarpon and other species can find it.
Wind Knot	An overhand knot put in the leader by poor casting, destroys the breaking strength of the leader
x	X - archaic measurement used to designate diameter of leader material used in conjunction with a numeral, as in "4X". To determine the actual diameter of "4X" or any "X" number, subtract the numeral from the number 11 (eleven). The result is the diameter in thousandths of an inch. For example, to find the diameter of 4X material, subtract 4 from 11 (11 - 4 = 7) thus the diameter is .007". Note diameter does not always correspond to breaking strength.
Yolk Sac	The membrane-covered food pouch found on the belly of a newly hatched fish. It nourishes the growing fish until it is able to feed itself.
Zinger	Slang for a retractable device. Useful for hanging items such as nippers off your vest to keep them out of the way when not in use.
Z-Lon	Trade name for a synthetic yarn used in making carpeting. Can be used for many purposes in fly tying such as nymph bodies, spent wings, and trailing shucks.