Parachute Red Quill

The Parachute Red Quill is a modern adaptation of the classic Red Quill dry fly, a pattern dating back to early English and American tiers who used stripped quills to imitate slender-bodied mayflies. The parachute version was developed to improve visibility and stability, giving the original a lighter footprint and a more natural low-riding profile. Its clean silhouette and subtle coloration make it an excellent choice when trout key in on delicate adults drifting in softer water.

Before tying in the parachute post, lightly sand the stripped quill with a fine emery board. This adds micro-texture that traps tiny air bubbles—producing a faint shimmer underwater that draws attention without altering the fly’s appearance.