Dry FliesPFD Parachute
The PFD Parachute (Personal Flotation Device) is an innovative emerger pattern that uses a small foam pad to keep the fly suspended in the surface film. Available in Brown/Yellow for PMD hatches and Baetis variations, this pattern combines parachute visibility with emerger effectiveness. The trailing shuck and dubbing body create a realistic mayfly emerger profile.
Spring, Summer, Fall
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
The PFD Parachute was developed at Blue Ribbon Flies as a solution to emerger patterns that sink after a few fish. The foam "personal flotation device" keeps the fly riding correctly in the film while maintaining the emerger profile. Available in PMD and Baetis color schemes to match the most common mayfly hatches.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 2488, #14-20
Thread: Semperfli Classic Waxed, 8/0, brown (PMD) or Uni-Thread, 8/0, rusty dun (Baetis)
Shuck: Crinkled Zelon, mayfly brown
Abdomen: Zelon Dubbing, PMD emerger (PMD) or Superfine Dubbing, grey olive (Baetis)
Rib: Ultra Wire, extra small, copper (PMD only)
Foam: Fly Foam, 2mm, yellow (PMD) or Razor Foam, 1mm, translucent dun (Baetis)
Post: Polypro Floating Yarn, white
Hackle: Grizzly (PMD) or medium dun (Baetis) dry fly hackle
Fishing Tips
Season
The PMD version is most effective from May through July, while the Baetis version excels during spring and fall BWO hatches. Both versions work throughout their respective hatch seasons.
Presentation
Dead drift in the surface film. The foam pad keeps the fly riding correctly without constant attention. Focus on feeding lanes and seams where emergers naturally collect.
When to Use
Best during mayfly emergences when fish are taking emergers. Excellent for long sessions when you need a pattern that maintains its profile fish after fish.
Water Type
Ideal for spring creeks, tailwaters, and technical freestone water. The foam construction provides reliability in both flat water and moderate currents.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on 10-15 foot leader with appropriate tippet for size (5X for PMD, 6X-7X for Baetis). The white post makes tracking easy. No floatant needed on the foam.
Visibility & Floatation
Excellent visibility from the white polypro post. The foam pad provides unsinkable floatation while maintaining an emerger profile. Floats all day without waterlogging.
