The Tangled Tackle

The Sulphur Parachute

The Sulphur Parachute, tethered to the end of a long leader and skimming the surface of a clear, sparkling stream, is a prized gem in the world of fly fishing. Honored for its ability to imitate the fascinating lifecycle of the mayfly, this dry fly pattern is recognized for its effectiveness during a sulphur hatch.

The Sulphur Parachute pattern boasts a cream-colored tail, a poly yarn post wing and a body steeped in shades of creamy yellow to light orange, imitating the hues of the mayflies flawlessly. A light yellow or cream hackle is carefully wrapped around the wing post in a parachute style, lending the fly its name and ensuring a gentle and realistic touchdown on the water, irresistible to trout and grayling.

Sulphur Parachute

Crafted with a size 14 Dai-Riki 305 dry fly hook and threaded with subtly tinted 70 denier UTC thread in "Wood Duck", the Sulphur Parachute sets the stage for a remarkable imitation. The parachute style positions the fly low, effectively mimicking a mayfly drifting on the surface water. Accentuated further by the judicious use of fine hackle fibers and a touch of super glue for added durability, the Sulphur Parachute stands as a testament to the thoughtfulness and precision that goes into the art of fly tying.

Whether you're a seasoned angler or a novice fly-tier eager to expand your repertoire, the Sulphur Parachute is an enchanting blend of function, art, and tradition. This masterful combination of specific materials and precise techniques not only captures the essence of the sulphur mayfly but also exudes the beauty and patience inherent in fly fishing.

When to Fish the Sulphur Parachute

The Sulphur Parachute is most effective during the sulphur mayfly hatch, known to scientists as Ephemerella dorothea, which typically happens from late spring to early summer. These hatches frequently spur vigorous feeding from trout and grayling, marking them as prime fishing times.

Sulphur hatches vary with geographical location and weather conditions, but they generally take place when water temperatures register in the mid-50s to low 60s Fahrenheit. As a result, hatches can start in the late morning and continue until dusk, with the most intense activity usually seen in the late afternoon or early evening. It's during these times you'll want to watch for slower moving water where mayfly nymphs are likely to drift and emerge.

The Sulphur Parachute is most potent during peak hatches when the majority of mayflies are transitioning into the dun (subimago) stage and lay spent or resting, post-hatch. This stage, known as the spinner fall, often sparks a feeding frenzy among trout and grayling.

To increase your chances of a successful catch, consider having a variety of Sulphur Parachutes tied in different shades, as insect color can fluctuate based on environmental factors. The creamy yellow to light orange spectrum of the Sulphur Parachute mimics the most common mayfly colors, but keep in mind that trout can be selective and having the right shade on your hook can make the difference between a triumphant day or going home empty-handed.

How to Fish the Sulphur Parachute

Fishing the Sulphur Parachute requires a thoughtful and deliberate approach. The fly should be presented with a gentle cast, landing softly upon the water's surface to mimic a mayfly's natural behavior.

Choose a slow-moving pool or run where mayflies are likely to congregate and trout or grayling are feeding. Look for disturbance rings on the water surface, a sign that a fish has broken the surface to feed. Casting your Sulphur Parachute to land just upstream of these "rises" can trigger an instinctive strike from a feeding fish.

For the fly to captivate a wary fish, it must drift naturally with the current, free from the artificial tension or drag caused by the line or leader - this technique is often referred to as a "dead drift". Achieving this requires a blend of line mending and delicate casting.

During a heavy hatch, trout can become extremely selective and may ignore anything that does not perfectly match the natural insect. If your fly is ignored or rejected, consider switching to a slightly different color or size before attempting another cast. Patience, observation, and adaptation are key elements when fishing the Sulphur Parachute.

Be prepared for the strike when it comes. Trout feeding on mayflies can be subtle and swift. Stay alert, watching your fly and set the hook swiftly and gently at the first sign of a strike. The ensuing battle between angler and fish makes the effort invested in presenting the Sulphur Parachute all the more rewarding.

The History of the Sulphur Parachute

The Sulphur Parachute, like many other fly patterns, was born out of the combined wisdom, observation, and creativity of anglers who spent countless hours by the water's edge. It embodies a deep respect and understanding of the aquatic world that's intertwined with the art of fly fishing.

Envision seasoned anglers perched along the banks of a gentle stream coursing through verdant landscapes of North America. They wait in anticipation as the spring air brims with the first sulphur mayfly hatch of the year. The previously placid water's surface suddenly teems with life as trout and grayling break to feed on the newly emerged insects.

In these painted moments, under the soft hues of a setting sun, the need for a perfect imitation becomes paramount. A fly that not only mirrors the size and color of the mayfly but also mimics its unique behavior and presentation on the water. Thus, the Sulphur Parachute was born.

The parachute style of fly, which the Sulphur Parachute is crafted after, dates back to the early 20th century and was favored for creating a low-lying, realistic dry fly. The Sulphur Parachute carries this legacy forward, incorporating its namesake coloration and specific design elements tailored to mimic the Sulphur Mayfly.

Today, the Sulphur Parachute stands as a timeless testament to the art of fly fishing, owing its existence to generations of anglers devoted to the craft, the serene beauty of nature, and shared wisdom. It's not just another fly pattern; it's an homage to the rich tapestry of experiences, the deep connections formed amidst the rhythmic dance of hatches and feeding frenzies, under the boundless sky along the echoing chorus of a babbling stream.

How to Tie the Sulphur Parachute

Materials

Tying Instructions

  1. Secure the Hook: Begin by securing your Dai-Riki 305 dry fly hook in your vise, making sure it's level.
  2. Start the Thread: Lay a thread base starting about halfway down the shank of the hook, wrapping towards the eye and then back towards the bend.
  3. Prepare and Attach the Tail: Isolate a small group of hackle fibers from a cream-colored neck and either pull or snip them from the stem. Size your tail to be about a hook length long, then tie it to the hook at the bend.
  4. Attach the Wing Post: Take a small piece of poly yarn and split it. Double the yarn around your thread and secure it to the top of the hook shank, standing upright. Apply a small amount of super glue to your thread and start wrapping clockwise around the base of the yarn post to stabilize it.
  5. Wrap the Dubbing: Apply your "Fine and Dry" dubbing to the thread, wrapping from the base of the tail and continuing forward to the wing post.
  6. Prepare and Attach the Hackle: Select a light yellow hackle feather and strip about a 1/4 inch of fibers from both sides of the stem. From the lower side, strip another 1/4 inch. This will help orient the hackle when you begin wrapping. Attach the stem to the shank of the hook in front of the wing post, bend the stem to vertical, and secure it to the post itself with several thread wraps.
  7. Add More Dubbing: Apply more dubbing to your thread, taking wraps forward just behind the eye of the hook and then back to the post.
  8. Wrap the Hackle Around the Post: Begin winding your hackle downward around the post, maintaining tension on the feather. Aim for about 4 to 6 wraps.
  9. Secure the Hackle: Keep tension and take around 3 to 4 wraps around the wing post with your thread to secure the hackle stem, making sure not to trap hackle fibers. Carefully trim the remaining hackle.
  10. Finalize the Fly: Apply a small amount of super glue to the base of the post and then pull your thread down into it. After a few seconds, you can trim your thread.
  11. Trim the Wing Post: Trim the wing post to your preferred length, and your Sulphur Parachute is ready to be tied onto your tippet and cast onto the water.

Tips & Tricks