The classic killer, P-Chute Adams
Probably more western trout have been caught on a Parachute Adams than any other fly. The reason: this pattern matches most western and eastern mayfly duns, and it floats like a cork making is easy to see. And, right now, it is a killer on western trout streams where Baetis hatches are in full swing. If you want to catch some nice rainbows and browns on top and do so before winter sets in and those trout start focussing on midge larvae, get one of these flies on the surface.
The Parachute Adams is not much different than a standard Adams, except for the post. Made from calf-tail or poly yarn, the post is a beacon on the water and allows anglers to track the drift of a fly, even when fishing size-16, size-18 and size-20 imitations, even in choppy water. That post also allows the hackle to be wound around it, which facilitates the fly riding low in the water with an appealing silhouette. Because of those traits the Parachute Adams works well on a variety of waters, ranging from flat-surfaced stillwaters and spring creeks to roily freestones and even slick tailwaters.
This isn’t the easiest fly to tie because craftsmen must master tying in the parachute post and wind the hackle appropriately, but it only takes several miscues before the fly in your vice starts looking like trout food.
Really, tie some of these flies before you head astream again, or purchase some at your local fly shop. You’ll need these in late October and through November.
Here’s the recipe:
Hook: TMC 900BL, sizes 16, 18, 20
Thread: Gray
Wing: Post of white calf tail or poly yarn
Hackle: Grizzly