Parachute Pale Morning Dun

The Parachute Pale Morning Dun is a modern variation of the classic PMD dry fly, created to solve the challenge of imitating a light-bodied mayfly that often sits low and delicate on the surface. Early PMD patterns rode a bit too high, so tiers began adapting parachute posts to achieve a flatter, more natural profile. The parachute version quickly gained popularity for its visibility, balance, and lifelike footprint, maintaining the traditional light tones while offering greater stability in varied currents.

Leave one or two fibers of the tail slightly longer than the rest—barely noticeable to the eye. This tiny “keel” prevents the fly from rolling during long drifts, keeping the parachute hackle perfectly level and dramatically reducing refusals from picky trout.