Dry FliesBWO Parachute

The BWO Parachute is a classic dry fly pattern that's designed to sit flush on the water, emulating a mayfly at rest. Because of its parachute design, it's easy to spot in rough waters and it's highly appealing to trout.

Season
Spring, Fall
Difficulty
Intermediate
Target Species
Trout
BWO Parachute - Image source: The Feather Bender
Image source: The Feather Bender

Overview

A classic parachute dry tied with a dubbed olive body, white post (usually poly yarn or calf body hair), and grizzly or dun parachute hackle. The tail is often microfibbet or Coq de Leon. The parachute style offers excellent visibility and stability in surface currents, making this a must-have during Blue Wing Olive hatches.

Pattern Characteristics

Intermediate Difficulty
Trout
Stillwater
Moving Water
Spring
Fall
Imitates: Mayflies

Materials

Hook: Tiemco 100, size #16–#20
Thread: Olive Veevus 14/0
Tail: Coq de Leon Indio
Abdomen: Turkey Biot Olive
Wing/post: 3 Natural CDC Hackles
Hackle: Silver Badger Hackle
Thorax: Olive Squirrel Dubbing

Fishing Tips

Season

The BWO Parachute is most effective in the Spring and Fall seasons when Mayflies are most active.

Presentation

Use a dead drift presentation, allowing the current to naturally move the fly.

When to Use

It's most effective during a Mayfly hatch.

Water Type

Works well in both stillwater and moving water.

Rigging Suggestions

Use a light tippet to prevent the fly from dragging.

Visibility & Floatation

The parachute post and hackle help to keep the fly floating high and improve visibility.

Additional Videos