Fly Tying Weight & Size Charts

Here at Murray's Fly Shop, we have weighed a number of fly tying beads, coneheads, and dumbbell eyes to give fly tiers a practical reference for choosing the right size and weight for their flies.

Last updated June 7, 2026 by Murray's Fly Shop.

Fly tying materials are not made to one standard sizing system. Beads, coneheads, and metallic eyes can vary in size and weight from one manufacturer to another, and even between production runs from the same manufacturer.

To make it easier to compare them, we weighed several samples of the materials listed below and recorded their average weights. We have also included a bead-to-hook sizing chart to help you select a bead that fits the hook and the type of fly you are tying.

Understanding Fly Tying Weight Measurements

The weights below are listed in milligrams (mg) and represent the average weight of the samples we measured. Because manufacturing variations occur, individual beads or eyes may vary somewhat from the weights shown here.

These measurements are particularly useful when comparing different materials for nymphs, streamers, crayfish patterns, and other flies where the amount of weight you add can make a noticeable difference in how the fly fishes.

This is an ongoing project at Murray's Fly Shop. We will continue adding measurements as we test additional materials and manufacturers.

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Dumbbell Eyes, Beads & Coneheads: Weight Chart

The following charts list the average weights of the materials we have measured. Diameter or fractional-ounce equivalents are included where they are provided by the manufacturer.

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Bead-to-Hook Sizing Chart

Use this chart as a starting point when selecting a bead for your fly. Hook style, hook wire, shank length, and the way you want the finished fly to fish can all affect the best bead size.

Slotted Tungsten Beads for Jig Hooks

Slotted tungsten beads are designed specifically for modern jig hooks. The slot allows the bead to pass around the bend of the hook and helps the finished fly ride point-up.

Slotted bead information courtesy of Umpqua Feather Merchants.

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How to Match Bead Sizes to Fly Hooks

You will notice some overlap in the hook sizes listed above. For example, a 2.8–3.2 mm bead can be used on several different hook sizes. The best choice depends on the hook style, the size of the fly you are tying, and how much weight you want the fly to carry.

Upsizing vs. Downsizing

Hook Shank & Wire Gauge

The particular hook you are using also matters. Long-shank nymph hooks and heavy-wire jig hooks may require a slightly different bead size than a standard hook. The bead should sit securely behind the eye without crowding the hook gap or interfering with the point.

Slotted Beads vs. Countersunk Beads

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know what bead size fits my hook?

Start with the bead-to-hook chart above. Most bead sizes work across a range of hook sizes, so the final choice depends on the hook style, the profile of the fly, and how much weight you want to add.

Should I size a bead up or down from the standard recommendation?

Downsize when fishing shallow or slow water or when you want a slimmer fly. Upsize when fishing fast or deep water, or when you need additional weight to get the fly down quickly.

What's the difference between slotted and countersunk beads?

Countersunk beads are generally used on traditional straight-shank hooks. Slotted tungsten beads are designed to fit around the sharper bend of modern jig hooks and help the finished fly ride point-up.

This chart is an ongoing Murray's Fly Shop project and will be updated as we test additional fly tying materials and manufacturers.