The Parachute Adams is a versatile dry fly that imitates the adult stage of aquatic-born insects including mayflies, caddisflies and midges. It’s name is derived from the vertical post of white calf hair at the head of the fly that resembles a parachute. The parachute feature makes the “Parachute” Adams buoyant and easy to see as it floats on the surface.
The key to dry fly fishing is matching the hatch. A good dry fly pattern is designed to closely mimic a specific fly hatch and to appear like a trout’s natural forage. In this regard, the Parachute Adam is a bit of black sheep—and that’s the beauty of this fly. Instead of mimicing just one insect hatch, Parachute Adams employs neutral colors, and a simple upwing pattern, that essentially mimics a wide array of aquatic fly species.
If you carry a good assortment of Adams patterns in your tackle, all you need to do is match the size and color of the hatch and you’re set! Most trout will take an Adams pattern regardless of the current insect hatch. It doesn’t matter if it’s early spring BWOs, mid-summer Green Drakes, or a late fall midge hatch, the Parachute Adams will get trout rising to the surface.
Whether the Parachute Adams is a crutch or a savior is still a topic of serious debate among anglers, but when all else fails most fisherman break out their Adams. The Parachute Adams is the quintessential dry fly that no serious trout angler should be found without. Recommended dry fly hook sizes for the Parachute Adams are #14 to #18, but sizes can range from #10 on the large side to #22 for small flies.
Imitates: Mayfly, Caddisfly, Midge
Target Species: River Trout
Features: Highly visible parachute post, sparse tail, gray body
Benefits: Highly versatile, visible, buoyant