Dry FliesPalomino Partridge Parachute
The Palomino Partridge Parachute is a midge pattern with a twist—featuring a buggy partridge parachute hackle that gives it a spider-like quality. The soft partridge fibers create lifelike movement in the water while the parachute style keeps the fly riding perfectly in the surface film. A great little river pattern for selective trout.
Year Round
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
Barry Ord Clarke designed this pattern to combine the delicate presentation of a midge with the buggy appeal of soft hackle flies. The partridge hackle wound parachute-style creates a unique profile that sits flush in the film while the soft fibers twitch and move with the slightest current. "Palomino" refers to the cream/tan coloration that matches many midge species. The spider quality from the partridge hackle often triggers strikes when standard midge patterns fail.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Mustad C49S or light wire dry fly hook, size #16–#20
Thread: 8/0 or 14/0, cream or tan
Body: Palomino (cream/tan) dubbing or thread, slim
Post: White or cream poly yarn or para post
Hackle: Hungarian partridge, wound parachute style
Thorax: Cream or tan dubbing (optional)
Fishing Tips
Season
Effective year-round as midges hatch in all seasons. Particularly productive during winter and early spring when midges dominate the menu, and during summer evenings when midge clusters form.
Presentation
Fish with a dead drift in the surface film. The soft partridge hackle provides subtle movement even on a static presentation. Ideal for slow, clear water where trout inspect flies carefully.
When to Use
Best during midge hatches when trout are sipping small insects from the surface. The spider-like profile can trigger takes when fish refuse standard midge patterns. Effective when you see fish rising with subtle, dimpling rises.
Water Type
Ideal for rivers, spring creeks, and tailwaters where midges are abundant. Works well in slower sections, pools, and back eddies where midges collect. The delicate presentation excels in flat, technical water.
Rigging Suggestions
Use 12-foot or longer leaders tapered to 6X–7X tippet for wary fish. Fish as a single dry or trail behind a larger dry fly as an emerger. Delicate presentations are essential.
Visibility & Floatation
Rides flush in the surface film with excellent profile. The white post provides visibility to the angler while the partridge hackle keeps the fly positioned correctly. Apply floatant sparingly to post only.
