Parachute Adams

The Parachute Adams is one of the most versatile and widely trusted dry‑fly patterns in all of fly fishing. Since its creation in 1922 by Leonard Halladay—named in honor of his friend Charles Adams—it has become a staple on trout rivers around the world. Its ability to imitate a broad range of insects, from mayflies to midges to small caddis, makes it a reliable choice in nearly any freshwater situation.

The fly features an upright white calf‑hair wing (or similar material) that provides excellent visibility, while the parachute‑style hackle wrapped around the post allows it to sit low and naturally on the surface. A dubbed body and balanced hackle give it a clean, realistic silhouette, and the pattern can be tied in a wide range of sizes to match local insects.

Effective in everything from slow, glassy streams to fast, broken water, the Parachute Adams excels during mayfly hatches but is equally capable as a general searching pattern. Anglers often fish it alone on the surface or pair it as a dropper above a nymph or wet fly. Its adaptability and consistency have earned it a permanent place in nearly every fly box.