Parachute patterns have been around for a long time, but I doubt you’ve ever seen one tied like this. The late, great tier Dick Talleur was a big fan of using glue to hold the hackle and post of parachute patterns together, but Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions uses a new product, Bondic, to create a better post and to allow the tier to wrap the hackle without the sometimes frustrating and awkward tying-off process.
This a great video walks you through Flagler’s unorthodox process and shows you how to control the thread, make perfect tails, and construct a wingpost that’ll blow your mind. No longer do you have to try to negotiate holding the post with one hand, while wrapping the hackle with the other. Talk about modern progress! Plus, this pattern will work to create any mayfly imitation. All you have to do is change the colors of the body and the hackle.
Light Cahill Parachute
Hook: 1X-long dry-fly hook (here a Dai-Riki #300), size 14.
Thread: Yellow, 8/0 or 70-denier.
Post: White Polypropylene floating yarn.
Dubbing ball: Light Cahill Superfine dubbing.
Tails: Coq de Leon fibers.
Body: Light Cahill Superfine dubbing.
Adhesive 1: Bondic UV cure.
Hackle: White dry-fly hackle.
Thorax: Light Cahill Superfine dubbing.
Adhesive 2: Bondic UV cure.