I love parachute dry flies—patterns that feature a horizontally tied hackle around a “post.” The parachute hackle helps the fly’s body sink a bit deeper into the surface film, and it gives the fly a bit more surface area, allowing it to float a bit better and represent more than just a single life stage of your average mayfly.
Above, Tim Flagler demonstrates how to tie a durable parachute post that will take hackle well and won’t crumble after a few bites. And, because they really do aid in both the floatation and the visibility of a dry fly, they aren’t just for mayflies anymore. Some of my favorite terrestrial flies sport parachute posts. Give this method a look if you’re interested in tying your own parachute dries.
— Chris Hunt