As a fly tyer I have attempted to tie many different styles and patterns. From streamers to wets, to dries, and nymphs, I can pretty much tie a good representation of the fly I have chosen to duplicate. Some of the most problematic flies to tie for me are Catskill style dry flies. These flies are a joy to look at with their crisp lines and delicate hackles. The classic Atlantic salmon fly is another fly that is a nightmare for me to tie. Most other types of flies I can do an adequate job, and the fly will work and catch a fish or two.
The flies I fish most are dry flies. I'll fish these floaters at any time of the year, and most times they will bring a fish to the surface. My fly box has a variety of dry flies, Catskill, Wulffs, Bombers, Beetles, Ants. Theses flies along with those wonderful "parachutes" are the core of my fly box.
I don't know if this is true but I read somewhere that the parachute dry fly was created in Detroit in the 1930's by William Bush. I think I started seeing them in fly shops in the late 70's or early 80's. Well whenever it was I purchased some and was happy with the way they represented themselves. When I attempted to tie this type of fly it was as if I had 3 left hands and no vision. The flies were awful. They would land upside down, float sideways, twist the leader until it was rendered useless. After many years of trying I gave up tying parachutes. I now buy the few patterns and sizes I fish. These flies work, and very well.
Parachute sulphur patterns. I bought these at LL Bean. They have an orange body and a yellow body. I have them in size 14 and 16
The Adams parachute. One of the very best dry flies out there. This fly can save most any angling outing. I have them in size 12 to 18.
"Mr. Rapidan", this fly was created by Harry Murray of Virginia.
Alan, ditto on what you have to say about tying Parachutes. They are a wonderful fly to fish on any dry fly excursion. I just can't tie them. I tried.............. I gave up................ I purchase mine now, too! That being said, I believe that a Parachute Adams is my favorite dry fly for trout. Never leave home without them if fishing a trout stream!
ReplyDeletePond Stalker,
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That makes me feel like I'm not alone. Mel indeed the Adams is quite the hatch matcher.
You have no doubt thought of this but I'll say it anyway. Usually, when my parachutes land on their sides either the wing is too long or the hackle is too short. It sometimes helps if you put floatant only on the top of the hackle and the wing. Another thing that I do is tie the thread off on the wing. (see instructions for tying a Klinkhamer) That may help with the balance of the fly.
ReplyDeletessj,
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Floatant only on top of the wing, now's there's a great thought. Makes sense.
I'll give your suggestions a try.
PS, I really wanted to say hackle instead of wing.
DeleteSomething else that might help- It's a bit counter-intuitive but if you use a heavier or a wide gap hook it can act as a keel to help your fly land and float upright.
DeleteMy biggest problem is having the right size hackle for the particular para I'm tying. Keep tying Alan!
ReplyDeleteHoward,
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That can be an issue for me at times.
Since my tying is lousy at best, I purchase.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz,
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Buying flies is OK by me. I especially have problems with small dry flies....20 or so.
Alan
ReplyDeleteI am a Parachute Adams addict, when it comes to dries. I haven't fish the sulpher pattern, but after seeing this post I may have to get some from LL. Impressed with the header image---thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell,
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I think the Adams is in every fly box, if not it should be. The sulphur works very well here in New England.
Bill that's a little meandering stream I fish. Nice little browns in it.
If I can find the time, I will put together a video on tying a parachute. There are a couple of pretty good tricks out there that make them a bit easier to tie. Trick is, finding the time. I will see if I can get this done sometime soon, but I will be honest, it won't be before next sunday.......
ReplyDeleteRichard Strolis,
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That would be great. No rush, just let me know when you post.
Thanks for sharing. I honestly don't have the patience for small flies but love parachutes too.
ReplyDeleteriverwalker34,
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Small flies can with out a doubt test your patience.
Ahh, the Parachute Adams. Arguably the most effective trout dry fly ever devised. I tie it in sizes 14 through 24 (and I'm just a middlin' fly tier). On the small sizes I generally use a brown tail and grizzly hackle, just using tying thread for the body. Don't get too hung up on proportions, just get close. As we all know: (let's say it together) "The fish don't really care.
ReplyDeletetenkara ambassador,
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The thought of tying one hackle has crossed my mind. Now I see you do, so maybe I'll try it.
And it's very true "the fish don't care".
Alan - parachutes always gave me fits until I watched Rich Strolis' tutorial on the parachute ant (http://vimeo.com/5634856). It was a huge help and I would highly recommend it. After a little practice they aren't so difficult to tie once you have a couple tricks down.
ReplyDeleteMark,
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I'll check that video out. Rich has said he would post a video on his blog.
How were the ADK's?
I really like the parachute style dries as well. My vision isn't terrible but I just seem to be able to follow the parachutes much better, especially on drifts a bit further out.
ReplyDeleteAtlas,
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Very true, they are easier to pick up on the water, even fast flowing turbulent stuff.
Alan - I actually think the traditional streamers and married wings you tie are much harder! i have no doubt that you can master the parachute. This video has some great instructions. http://vimeo.com/24124977. Try tying the post with poly yarn, its much easier to work with than snowshoe rabbit or calf tail.
ReplyDeleteLQN,
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Long thanks for the link. I'll keep trying.
Have to get some poly yarn.