Parachute Adams

The Parachute Adams is a modern evolution of the classic Adams dry fly, originally developed in 1922 by Leonard Halladay of Michigan and named after his friend Charles Adams. The parachute version is believed to have been popularized in the mid-20th century by western U.S. anglers aiming for better visibility and lower-riding profiles. The key innovation is the horizontal “parachute” hackle tied around a post, allowing the fly to sit flush with the water’s surface—mimicking adult mayflies or midges. It’s widely regarded as one of the most effective dry flies ever tied and is a go-to pattern in nearly every trout fishery worldwide.

When fish are hesitant on the surface, trim the parachute hackle flat on the bottom with scissors—this allows the fly to sit even lower and imitate spent or crippled duns more convincingly.