Parachute Adams

Parachute Adams

Dry Fly
Beginner
Trout
Hook: 12-20

The ultimate searching dry fly. The parachute design sits flush in the film and is visible from above. Works during almost any mayfly hatch.

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Materials

Hook

Standard dry fly hook, size 12-20

Thread

Gray 8/0

Tail

Grizzly and brown hackle fibers, mixed

Body

Adams gray superfine dubbing

Wing Post

White calf tail or poly yarn

Hackle

Grizzly and brown rooster hackle, parachute style

How to Tie the Parachute Adams

  1. 1

    Step 1

    Secure a dry fly hook in the vise. Start thread 1/3 back from the eye.

  2. 2

    Step 2

    Tie in a small clump of white calf tail or a piece of white poly yarn as the parachute post. Post it upright with thread wraps around the base.

    Build a small thread dam in front and behind the post to keep it upright. Wrap up the post 5-6 turns to create a stable base for the hackle.

  3. 3

    Step 3

    Wrap thread back to the bend. Mix a few grizzly and brown hackle fibers and tie them in as a divided tail, splayed slightly.

  4. 4

    Step 4

    Dub a slim body of Adams gray dubbing from the tail to the base of the wing post.

  5. 5

    Step 5

    Select one grizzly and one brown hackle feather sized for the hook. Tie both in at the base of the wing post with the dull sides facing down.

  6. 6

    Step 6

    Wrap one hackle around the post base in parachute style (horizontal wraps), working downward for 3-5 turns.

  7. 7

    Step 7

    Wrap the second hackle color in the same manner, filling in any gaps.

  8. 8

    Step 8

    Carefully tie off both hackle tips below the hackle wraps with thread, being careful not to trap hackle fibers.

  9. 9

    Step 9

    Dub a tiny amount in front of the wing post if needed for a smooth transition to the eye.

  10. 10

    Step 10

    Build a small, neat head, whip finish, and apply a tiny drop of head cement to the thread head only.

Watch Tying Tutorial

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbOFlrLqhfg

Credit: Traditional (adapted from Leonard Halladay's Adams)

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