Amadou and Tools for Drying Artificial Flies
( number of products: 1 )An amadou patch removes water from a soaked dry fly by gentle compression between two absorbent surfaces. Amadou is traditionally prepared from the inner material of the bracket fungus Fomes fomentarius. It dries the fly mechanically; it is not itself a liquid or gel floatant.
How to use an amadou patch
- Remove the fly from the leader when this gives safer and more even access.
- Open the patch and place the wet fly between its absorbent faces.
- Press gently for a moment. Do not rub or pull delicate hackle across the surface.
- Open the patch, reposition the fly and repeat if necessary.
- Separate compressed fibres with a breath of air, a dry brush or a few false casts.
Drying and float treatment are different steps
Amadou removes liquid water held by the fly. A powder, gel or other float treatment changes the way suitable materials resist wetting. When both are used, remove the accumulated water first and then apply a compatible dressing sparingly. Adding floatant to a saturated or dirty fly can trap moisture and contamination.
When amadou is most useful
It is particularly effective for delicate dry flies that would be damaged by vigorous squeezing with cloth or repeated false casting. It can also remove water from foam patterns and small terrestrials, although thick foam, dense dubbing and trapped slime may require cleaning and more than one drying step.
What amadou cannot do
It cannot repair damaged hackle, remove every trace of fish slime or make a poorly proportioned fly float indefinitely. If a fly remains low after drying, inspect the hook weight, saturated body, collapsed hackle and leader connection. Rinse contamination with clean water where appropriate before drying again.
Looking after the patch
Allow the amadou to dry naturally after use and do not close it wet for long storage. Keep it away from direct heat, which can harden or distort natural material. Brush away loose debris gently and follow the care instructions supplied with the particular product.
Amadou patch and ordinary fly patch
An amadou patch actively absorbs water when the fly is pressed inside it. A conventional fly patch is a temporary holder that exposes flies to air. Use amadou to remove water quickly and a fly patch to keep the fly accessible while it finishes drying.
Frequently asked questions
Should the fly be rubbed?
No. Gentle pressing protects hackle and wings and lets the absorbent surfaces draw water from the fly.
Does amadou replace floatant?
It can restore a fly by removing water, but drying and applying a dressing are separate operations. Whether a floatant is needed depends on the fly and material.
Can amadou be used repeatedly?
Yes, provided it is allowed to dry and remains clean and undamaged. Its performance decreases while the material itself is saturated.