Reverse hackle wet flies were in use centuries ago in various parts of Europe and Asia. The exact origin of this type of fly, if there was a single place, is unknown. They have been documented as being in use hundreds of years ago in both northern Italy and in Japan, which might suggest their use may have been ubiquitous throughout the larger surrounding regions back in that time period. This type of fly is fished primarily as a submerged or wet fly with a slightly taught line without an indicator and without dragging the fly against the current.

In still or slow moving waters, such as beaver ponds, lakes and eddies, the fly is fished by casting out dry and letting the fly submerge on its own while twitching or pulsing the fly with a subtle manipulation of the rod tip.

In faster moving streams and rivers the fly is very effective when quartered upstream and allowed to flow with the current in a dead drift, much in the same manner as you might fish a dry fly or an emerger. This type of fly has a delicate action which is much less effective when pulled against the current like a streamer or fancy wet fly.