Dry FliesTrico Parachute

The Trico Parachute is a dry fly designed to imitate Tricorythodes mayflies, coZmmonly known as Tricos. This pattern excels during Trico hatches, which can create some of the most exciting dry fly fishing of the year.

Season
Summer
Difficulty
Intermediate
Target Species
Trout
Trico Parachute - Image source: Big Y Fly Company
Image source: Big Y Fly Company

Overview

This variation uses a parachute-style hackle wound around a post (usually white or gray poly yarn) for visibility and floatation. The body remains slender and dark, with microfibbet tails and a subtle thorax bump. It rides low in the film for finicky fish.

Pattern Characteristics

Intermediate Difficulty
Trout
Moving Water
Summer
Imitates: Tricorythodes mayflies

Materials

Hook: 1X-fine dry-fly hook (here a TMC100), size 20-24
Thread/abdomen: 70 Denier or 6/0, black
Tails: Dark dun Microfibbets
Tail separator: Tying thread tag end
Wingpost: White EP Trigger Point Fibers
Hackle: Hackle, light dun
Thorax: Australian possum dubbing, black

Fishing Tips

Season

This pattern is most effective in summer during Trico hatches.

Presentation

Cast the Trico Parachute upstream and let it drift naturally with the current.

When to Use

Use this fly during Trico hatches, typically on calm, overcast mornings.

Water Type

Best suited for moving water.

Rigging Suggestions

Consider using a 6X or 7X tippet due to the small size of this fly and the typically clear water conditions during Trico hatches.

Visibility & Floatation

The Trico Parachute floats on the surface of the water. Its white poly yarn wing and grizzly hackle make it highly visible to both the angler and the fish.

Additional Videos