Dry FliesParachute Damsel
The Parachute Damsel is a delicate adult damselfly imitation featuring a parachute hackle design for excellent floatation and visibility. This pattern uses polypropylene macrame yarn in light and dark blue for a realistic tail, thin foam for the wingcase, Superfine Dubbing for the slim body, and a speckled Coq de Leon rooster saddle hackle wound parachute-style around the foam post. The result is a highly visible, stable-floating damselfly pattern perfect for stillwater fishing.
Spring, Summer
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box represents a proven approach to adult damselfly imitation using parachute construction. The two-tone macrame yarn tail suggests the segmented abdomen of adult damselflies while providing excellent visibility. The foam wingcase serves double duty as both wing representation and the post for the parachute hackle. The speckled Coq de Leon hackle adds to the natural appearance while providing superior floatation. The Daiichi 1640 hook provides the ideal long-shank profile for damselfly patterns while keeping the hook gap appropriate for consistent hookups.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Daiichi 1640, #12
Thread: Veevus 14/0, black
Tail: Polypropylene Macrame Yarn, light blue and dark blue
Wing Case: Thin Fly Foam 2mm, blue
Body: Superfine Dubbing, blue
Hackle: Coq de Leon Rooster Saddle
Fishing Tips
Season
Most effective during late spring and summer when adult damselflies are abundant around stillwater edges and slow-moving streams. Peak activity occurs on warm, calm days when damselflies are most active.
Presentation
Fish with a dead drift or very subtle twitches to suggest a resting or struggling damselfly on the surface. Cast near weed beds, lily pads, and shoreline vegetation where damselflies congregate.
When to Use
Select this pattern when adult damselflies are visible around the water, particularly during afternoon hours when they are most active. Effective when trout are rising to surface insects in stillwater or slow-moving water.
Water Type
Primarily designed for stillwater lakes and ponds where damselflies are abundant, but also effective on slow-moving streams and spring creek backwaters where damselflies are present.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 9-12 foot leader tapering to 5X-6X tippet. The parachute design lands softly and rides stable on the surface. Apply floatant to the hackle and foam post before fishing.
Visibility & Floatation
The foam wingcase and parachute hackle provide excellent floatation while the blue coloration aids angler visibility. The pattern sits low in the surface film with the body penetrating the meniscus like a natural damselfly.
