The parachute dry fly. I don't know who created it but I do believe it is one of our most effective fly styles ever created. I know everyone who has fished for trout has used this type of fly. There have been many times when the "parachute" has brought a few big ones to the surface for me. The body profile brings this fly in a perfect position for a feeding trout. It's circular wound hackle makes it float well and the parachute post makes it highly visible. I first saw this fly style tied at the Fly Fishing Show in Wilmington MA. I was especially taken by the way the tyer had a gallows type of set up in order to accomplish the the job. Over the years I have tried my best to recreate this fly and I can honestly say "I can't do it"...I have been blessed by other tyers who have kept my fly boxes full of these parachute flies. I have not given up on trying to master this fly and I will show you some of my work this winter.
The Adams Parachute....up first.
Various sulphur parachutes...I have a fondness for this fly.
Harry Murray's Mr. Rapidan parachute.
Roy Christie's Reversed Parachute.
They look good to me. I'll bet the fish will agree.
ReplyDeleteJJ
Beaverdam
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Joe the parachute is a good provider.
Hi Alan,
ReplyDeleteI struggled for years tying parachute flies until I saw this Orvis video by Tim Flagler. It shows how to use UV resin to anchor the hackle around the post. Works like a charm and the flies seem to hold up to multiple fish:
https://news.orvis.com/fly-fishing/video-hackle-parachute-post-uv-cure-resin
Best wishes,
John
John Strucker
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John, Tim is quite the fly tyer. Thanks for the link, I'll be sure to check it out.
They look great Alan! What are you using on the post on those first few (Adams and sulfurs)? I used to use natural materials, but had a hard time with it. Certainly easier if I tie it in and then weld it with UV material... but even easier with a synthetic post. Easy is deceiving though, they are not easy to tie and mine always look rough. They work though, so that's ok :)
ReplyDeleteBe well
Will
Hibernation
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Will I did not tie any of those flies. I for the life of me just can't do parachutes. Most of the flies here have been given to me by other tyers with exception of the Mr. Rapidan which I bought from Murray's fly shop.
Alan
ReplyDeleteLike the Sulphur Parachute you've tied with the light colored post. I like to use a dry that I can see well with a light post; the Adams is that fly. I've even landed bluegill using the Adams in the early spring. Thanks for shariing
Bill Trussell
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Bill the Adams is a killer fly and when you tie the parachute version it makes it so much better. I have taken some bass on sulphurs.
Any that you feel aren't up to snuff, you can always send my way. Just kidding Alan. They look great, but then you are the master.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark I wish I could tie flies like these. For some reason they just look good when I tie them.
I can't tie the damn things either. It's one of the very few patterns I buy. The Adams in various sizes works well up here. Maybe I'll pick up a gallows tool and give them another try...
ReplyDeletemike
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Mike I think the Adams has taken fish all over the world. Like the Black Ghost it know far and wide.
I like the bucktail streamer fly pattern on the picture...
ReplyDeleteArmando Milosevic
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Armando, it's pretty simple...silver tinsel body, blue bucktail, and peacock herl topping. I love fishing and tying flies like that. The streamer worked pretty well today.
Alan, the best tip I ever got in tying parachutes is when you are at the final step to wind down the hackle feathers, reposition the hook so the hook eye is pointing down toward the floor. I find this makes it easier to both wind the hackle(s) and tie them off and then whip finish to the wing post beneath the wound hackle fibers. I think it was a Charlie Craven video where I saw that trick.
ReplyDeleteRegards, Sam
Sam
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Sam that tip sounds like it just may work for me. With the long winter tying season upon us I will plenty of time to try it...stay tuned buddy.
Alan - I think the parachute style gives most tiers difficulty including myself. I am sure there are a lot of good tips out there. For me, they became easier when I realized that I needed to have a solid post, wrapping thread up the base to stabilize it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MV0-BXJxoeA
ReplyDeleteMarkW
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Mark I just checked the link and I must say it's a great way of getting the fly to behave. The problem I have and I'm sure many of us have is the wrapping of the hackle. Your method makes it easier.