The Parachute Adams Fly Pattern

Tying Flies: Parachute Adams Fly Pattern

Tying flies can be a rewarding and creative aspect of fly fishing, allowing anglers to craft custom patterns that mimic the insects fish naturally feed on. One classic and highly effective dry fly pattern is the Parachute Adams. This versatile fly is known for its ability to imitate various aquatic insects, making it a staple in any fly fisher’s box. Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions for tying the Parachute Adams fly pattern, let’s gather the necessary materials. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a fly that floats well and attracts fish effectively.

Required Materials for the Parachute Adams Fly Pattern

1. Hook:
   • Use the Mustad 94840 Signature R50 in sizes ranging from 12 to 20. This hook is well-regarded for its sharpness, strength, and durability, making it ideal for a variety of fishing situations. Choose a size based on the specific hatches in your area and the target species.
2. Thread:
   • Opt for Uni-thread 8/0 in Grey or Black. This fine thread is perfect for tying small flies, allowing you to create a strong yet subtle tying pattern. The color can be selected to complement the body material you’ll be using.
3. Wing Post:
   • For the wing post, use White High Vis or Poly material. A high-visibility wing post helps you track the fly on the water, making it easier to see as it drifts. This feature is particularly beneficial in choppy water or low-light conditions.
4. Tail:
   • The tail is made from a mix of dry fly hackle in brown and grizzly. This combination creates a natural appearance and provides the necessary buoyancy for the fly. The mixed colors simulate the diverse range of insects that smallmouth bass and trout often feed on.
5. Body:
   • For the body, use Hairline Grey superfine dubbing or muskrat dubbing. The dubbing should be applied sparingly to create a tapered body shape. Grey dubbing is effective for mimicking a variety of mayflies and other aquatic insects.
6. Hackle:
   • You’ll need both dry fly grizzly and brown hackle—one of each. The hackle provides the fly with the necessary flotation and a lifelike appearance. When selecting your hackle, ensure they are of high quality with good barb density to enhance the fly’s effectiveness.

Fly Tying Instructions for the Parachute Adams Dry Fly Pattern

Tying the Parachute Adams is a straightforward process that, once mastered, will enhance your fly fishing experience. This classic dry fly pattern is designed to effectively imitate a variety of aquatic insects, making it a staple in any fly angler’s arsenal. Below are detailed step-by-step instructions for tying the Parachute Adams dry fly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Start the Thread:
   • Begin by tying on your thread near the hook eye. Make sure to maintain a tight tension to ensure your materials will be securely fastened.
2. Tie in the Wing:
   • Take a clump of your chosen High Vis or Poly material for the wing post and tie it in approximately one-fourth to one-third of the hook shank length behind the eye. Ensure the tips of the wing material are facing the hook eye. Start with two or three loose wraps, then follow with two or three tight wraps. This will help hold the wing on top of the hook, preventing the material from rolling around.
3. Build the Wing Post:
   • Once the wing is secure, hold it straight up and make several thread wraps in front of the wing. This will build a small dam that helps keep the wing material standing upright. To form the post, continue holding the wing straight up and wrap your thread clockwise around the wing material. Wrap approximately one-eighth inch up and then back down to create a sturdy base for the hackle.
4. Secure the Wing Post:
   • Optionally, add a small drop of head cement to the wing post to provide extra security.
5. Trim Excess Material:
   • Cut off any excess wing material behind the post at an angle. This helps to create a streamlined body shape.
6. Prepare the Tail:
   • Wrap the thread back to the hook bend. Take your mixed grizzly and brown hackle tips for the tail and tie them in securely. Ensure that the proportions are correct, with the tail length being about one-half the length of the hook shank.
7. Dub the Body:
   • Wrap your thread back to the base of the wing post and then dub a thin, tapered body up to the base of the wing post using your Hairline Grey superfine dubbing or muskrat dubbing. The taper should be gradual, creating a natural shape that resembles the body of an insect.
8. Attach the Hackle:
   • Tie in one brown dry fly hackle and one grizzly dry fly hackle on your wing post. Remember to use appropriately sized hackles, such as size 14 hackle for a size 14 hook.
9. Wrap the Hackle:
   • Carefully wrap the hackle clockwise around the wing post. Aim for about two wraps up and two wraps down to create a bushy appearance. Tie off the hackle at the base of the post and trim any excess material.
10. Dub the Front:

• Dub the remaining exposed hook shank in front of the wing post all the way to the hook eye, leaving enough space to form a neat head. This section should match the body in terms of taper and proportion.

11. Finish the Fly:

• Create a neat, tapered head by wrapping your thread around the front of the fly. Secure your final wraps and finish off with a few half-hitches or a whip finish to lock everything in place.

12. Final Touches:

• Trim any excess materials and make any necessary adjustments to the proportions of the tail, body, and wing. If you’ve used stacked calf hair for the wing, ensure it’s neatly arranged without trimming.

Mayfly Imitations

The Parachute Adams fly pattern is widely regarded as one of the most popular and versatile dry flies ever created, cherished by fly fishermen around the globe. Developed by Leonard Halladay for his friend Charles Adams, this iconic fly is designed to imitate a wide range of mayfly duns, making it a staple in any fly angler’s toolkit. Its ability to mimic various hatches means that it can effectively fool fish in diverse fishing conditions.

Different Styles for Tying Flies

When it comes to tying the Parachute Adams, there are several styles you can choose from, including traditional, thorax, and parachute styles. Each method offers its unique benefits, but all are known for their effectiveness in catching fish. Many anglers consider the Parachute Adams to be one of the best dry fly patterns ever made, attributing its success to its versatility and realistic presentation on the water. Whether you prefer a classic approach or a more modern twist, this fly remains a go-to choice for many.

Correct Sizing

One crucial aspect to keep in mind when tying your Parachute Adams is the importance of sizing. Matching the size of the hatch you’re trying to imitate is vital for success. For instance, if you observe size 16 Blue Winged Olives hatching, casting a size 12 Adams would likely result in a lack of interest from rising trout. In the world of fly fishing, size does matter. Ensuring that your fly matches the size of the insects on the water can make all the difference in enticing a strike.

Practice Makes Perfect at Tying Flies

To effectively imitate the mayflies present in your local waters, you can use the same tying techniques described earlier. Simply adjust the materials and body color to match the specific mayfly species in your area. However, it’s important to remember that mastering the skill of wrapping the hackle around the wing post can take time and practice. If you’re attempting to tie the Parachute Adams for the first time, consider practicing the wing and post technique on a larger hook. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll find that tying this fly becomes second nature.

The real magic happens when you take your Parachute Adams out on the water. Watching it float delicately on the surface, perfectly imitating a natural insect, is an exhilarating experience that any angler will appreciate. So go ahead, tie up a few of these flies, and the next time you find yourself struggling to catch that elusive rising fish, consider switching to the Parachute Adams in the appropriate size. You just might experience the thrill of a bent rod and the sound of screaming drag—the ultimate reward for any fly angler!

Original Article By Bran Berlin

About The Author

Brad Berlin has been tying flies and fly fishing many of the local streams in the northeast and especially central Pennsylvania for over 20 years.  He guides on area streams and the Susquehanna River.  Brad teaches classes in fly tying and casting.  He enjoys fishing the tributaries of Lake Ontario in the fall.

This article has been revised by Daniel O’Neill, an experienced angler and writer, to ensure its continued relevance and accuracy. As a result, it may no longer reflect the original author’s views or intentions.