Midge / EmergersParachute Floating Nymph
The Parachute Floating Nymph is an emerger pattern that suspends the fly body in the surface film while keeping the parachute hackle visible above the water. This design imitates mayfly nymphs trapped in the surface tension during emergence. The pattern features a hare's mask dubbing body with copper wire ribbing for a buggy nymphal appearance, splayed hackle fiber tails, and a dubbed wing post around which barred ginger hackle is wound parachute-style.
Spring, Summer, Fall
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box represents a versatile emerger design that bridges the gap between traditional dry flies and nymphs. The dubbing post is an innovative feature that eliminates the need for post materials like calf tail or polypropylene, creating a soft, buggy appearance that suggests the emerging wingcase of natural mayflies. The barred ginger hackle adds realistic mottling while providing the buoyancy needed to suspend the fly properly in the film. The hare's mask dubbing creates a natural, buggy texture that mimics the appearance of emerging mayfly nymphs. The Tiemco XC110BL-BN hook provides the curved shank profile ideal for emerger patterns.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco XC110BL-BN (or Umpqua X Series), #14-18
Thread: Veevus 14/0, tan
Tail: Rooster Cape or Saddle, dark barred ginger or dun
Body: Hare's Mask Dubbing (Nature's Spirit), brown
Rib: Wire (UTC), copper x-small
Post: Superfine Dubbing, gray
Hackle: Rooster Cape or Saddle, dark barred ginger
Thorax: Hare's Mask Dubbing (Nature's Spirit), brown
Fishing Tips
Season
Most effective during spring, summer, and fall mayfly hatches. Particularly productive when fish are sipping emergers just below or in the surface film.
Presentation
Fish with a dead drift, allowing the body to hang through the surface film while the hackle and post remain visible above. Focus on slower water where trout have time to inspect emerging insects.
When to Use
Select this pattern when trout are rising but refusing traditional dry flies. The suspended profile matches the behavior of struggling emergers that trout key on during active hatches. Effective for PMDs, BWOs, and other mayfly emergences.
Water Type
Effective in both moving water and stillwater. In rivers, target slower pools, eddies, and flat tailouts where emergers concentrate. In lakes, fish along weed edges and calm surfaces where trout cruise for emergers.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 9-12 foot leader tapering to 5X-6X fluorocarbon tippet for delicate presentations. The parachute design lands softly and provides excellent visibility for the angler. Apply floatant sparingly to the hackle and post only.
Visibility & Floatation
The gray dubbing post and barred hackle provide excellent visibility while the pattern sits properly in the film. The body should penetrate the surface tension while the hackle keeps the fly from sinking.
