I'm currently reading Ray Bergman's book "Trout", and I'm getting the impression that wet flies held an important place in the early-to-mid twentieth century fly-fisherman's arsenal. There are nearly 400 wet fly patterns in the prints, only twenty or so nymphs, and maybe fifty streamers. But in books today, wet flies are only rarely discussed.

So what happened? Were they more popular in the past? Were they found over time to be less sucessful than other forms and then phased out? Are the newer styles and flies better at catching fish, or fishermen? Is anyone out there still a wet fly devotee?

I know this book is held in high regard, and as I'm reading it I can see why. It certainly has me thinking, but am I thinking correctly, ...or am I all wet?