Welcome back to Tying Tuesday, fly junkies!
Rob is making his long-awaited on-screen debut — and he’s kicking it off by tying the one, the only… Parachute Adams. Timeless. Trustworthy. Deadly effective. The Parachute Adams is the fly every angler should have in their box — a true generalist pattern that mimics just about any mayfly hatch with grace and realism. Also, Rob isn’t just a dry fly guy — he’s a fly-tying machine, cranking out classics with precision and passion. We’re beyond stoked to welcome him to the tying cadre, and trust us — you’re going to love what he brings to the vise.
Tie it. Fish it. Love it.
Let’s go! 🎣💥
Recipe:
• Hook: TMC 100 SP Dry Fly Hook
• Thread: UTC Ultra Thread 70D, Black
• Wing/Post: UTC Spooled Antron Yarn
• Hackle: Metz Select Hackle, Grizzly, Size 16-18
• Tail: Golden Pheasant Tail
• Body: Hends Spectra Dubbing, Grey
***Please note, some materials sell out quickly on Tuesdays after a video drops – you can always call Customer Service if you have a question about an alternate material option (720-836-3619)***
🧊 Early Spring Dry Fly Tips & Tricks
🎯 1. Target the Warmest Part of the Day
In early spring, insect activity is tied to water and air temperature. Focus your dry fly fishing between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when midges and Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) are most likely to hatch.
🐜 2. Match the Hatch Lightly
The Parachute Adams is an all-purpose dry that can imitate midges, small mayflies, and even emerging caddis in a pinch. Early spring hatches are often sparse — subtle imitation and soft presentations go a long way.
🐾 3. Look for Soft Water & Slow Edges
Fish are conserving energy in cold water. Focus on slower seams, eddies, foam lines, and tailouts where trout can rise lazily without burning calories.
🎣 4. Use Long Leaders & Lighter Tippet
To avoid spooking wary early-season trout, use a 9’–12’ leader with 5X or 6X tippet. This helps present the Parachute Adams delicately and keeps drag to a minimum.
🕊️ 5. Perfect Your Drift
Early season fish are picky — practice a dead-drift presentation with no drag. Use reach casts or slack-line casts to get a natural drift, especially in clear water.
🌫️ 6. Use the Visibility Advantage
The Parachute Adams has a high-vis white post that makes it easy to track in low light or glare. You can also add a small trailing fly like a midge emerger behind it to double your chances.
🧼 7. Keep It Floating
Use powder desiccant or floatant gel often. Cold spring water can sink your fly quickly, so keep it riding high and dry. Dry it off after every fish or missed strike.
🔄 8. Be Ready to Switch
Spring hatches can change quickly. If fish are sipping something super small, don’t be afraid to swap your Adams for a tiny Griffith’s Gnat, BWO, or midge cluster.
📆 9. Scout Before You Cast
Spend a few minutes watching the water before you start casting. Look for rise forms — soft dimples or head-and-tails — and cast only when you’ve identified a feeding lane.
💡 10. Small Sizes Are Key
Go down to a #16–#20 Parachute Adams in early spring. Trout are keyed in on smaller insects, and subtlety is more important than flash.
Check out some of our favorite Fly Tying Gear:
- Vise – Dynaking Barracuda Deluxe Pedestal Vise
- Scissors – Kopter ABSOLUTE Blade Micro Serrated Edge Thin Point
- Bodkin – Dr. Slick Jumbo Carbon Fiber Bodkin
- Whip Finisher – Tiemco Midge Whip Finisher
- Tool Kit – Umpqua Dream Stream Plus 7 Piece Fly Tying Tool Kit
