Fly Tying Thread Comparison Chart
Choosing the right fly tying thread is one of the most criticalâand most misunderstoodâdecisions at the vise. Thread choice affects far more than durability alone; it determines how materials seat, how cleanly a fly is built, how much bulk is introduced, and how well a pattern holds up through repeated fish.
The Feather Craft Fly Tying Thread Selection Chart was created to eliminate confusion by organizing threads by fly size, application, and performance characteristics, rather than by brand or marketing claims alone. This reference allows you to evaluate thread types across materials and strengths while understanding how they perform in real tying situationsâfrom ultra-fine dry flies to heavy streamers and saltwater patterns. Whether youâre selecting a thread for a specific pattern, substituting materials based on availability, or dialing in the balance between strength and control, this chart is designed to guide confident decisions. Built from decades of tying experience and refined through constant bench use, itâs a practical tool meant to be returned to again and againâevery time thread choice matters.
| Fly Size & Application | Use Case | Thread Type | Material | Typical Size / Denier | Strength Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MICRO FLIES â Maximum Control (Size 20 & Smaller) | ||||||
| Size 20+ | Invisible wraps | Spider Webâstyle | Nylon mono | 18/0 | ~4 oz | Clean heads, delicate dries |
| Size 20+ | Competition micro | Nano Silkâstyle | GSP | 24/0 | ~20 oz | Smallest flies, flat wraps |
| Size 20+ | Strong micro work | Fine GSP / polyester | GSP / Polyester | 18/0 | 14â95 oz | Micro flies needing tension |
| Size 20+ | Specialized tiny patterns | Single-strand fine | Poly / Nylon | 20/0 | ~3 oz | Tricos, micro terrestrials |
| Size 20+ | Ultra-fine mono | Clear mono | Nylon mono | 0.1â0.2 mm | ~16 oz | Ribbing, bodies, invisible finishes |
| STANDARD DRIES & SMALL NYMPHS â Low Bulk (Size 22â10) | ||||||
| Size 22â10 | Smooth control | Unwaxed nylon | Nylon | 6/0 â 70d | 15â16 oz | Clean dry flies |
| Size 22â10 | Traditional grip | Waxed polyester | Polyester | 6/0 â 12/0 | 16â18 oz | General dry flies |
| Size 22â10 | Fine but strong | Light GSP | GSP | 12/0 | ~67 oz | Competition dries |
| Size 22â10 | Midge-specific | Waxed midge thread | Polyester | 8/0 | 16â19 oz | Midges, small patterns |
| LOW BULK + HIGH STRENGTH | ||||||
| Size 22â10 | Reinforced standard | Strong polyester | Polyester | 8/0 | ~26 oz | Heavier dries, small nymphs |
| Size 22â10 | Versatile medium | Medium polyester | Polyester | 6/0 â 8/0 | 30+ oz | General-purpose tying |
| Size 22â10 | Fine GSP | Light GSP | GSP | 50d | ~64 oz | Strong flies with minimal bulk |
| NYMPHS, WETS & SMALL STREAMERS â High Strength (Size 20â10) | ||||||
| Size 20â10 | Heavy nymphs | Mono or waxed poly | Nylon / Polyester | 115â150d | 25â33 oz | Beads, wire, tough materials |
| Size 20â10 | Workhorse thread | Waxed polyester | Polyester | 130â150d | 29â33 oz | Most nymphs |
| Size 20â10 | High-strength GSP | Medium GSP | GSP | 75â100d | 98â128 oz | Durable nymphs, wets |
| LARGE FLIES & MAXIMUM STRENGTH | ||||||
| Large flies | Large streamers | Heavy nylon | Nylon | 210â230d | 53â65 oz | Big freshwater & saltwater flies |
| Large flies | Predator patterns | Heavy polyester | Polyester | 220â240d | 32â40 oz | Pike, musky, deer hair |
| Large flies | Extreme strength | Heavy GSP | GSP | 150â200d | 150â250+ oz | Saltwater, jigs, maximum pull |
| Large flies | Specialty applications | Kevlar / stretch nylon | Kevlar / Nylon | 200â630d | Extreme | Heat resistance, underbodies |