Tricos provide some of the best late-summer action on the Battenkill, so I was excited to see that the latest video from Tightline Productions featured one of these little black bugs. I love seeing the clouds of mating insects buzzing above the water and then watching the spent spinners fall to the water, where trout wait expectantly. But I find it difficult to see some Trico patterns on the water, which can be frustrating. This parachute version should be just the ticket.
When you’re trying to tie a size 20 parachute pattern, you want something relatively easy—something that doesn’t require the dexterity of a diamon-cutter. This great Trico pattern from author and blogger Matt Grobert is both effective and easy to tie, as long as you follow Matt’s instructions for how to attach all the materials. Of course, Tim Flagler’s camera work gets you right in there to see the action as clearly as possible.
Trico Parachute
Hook: 1X-fine dry-fly hook (here a TMC100), size 20-24.
Thread/abdomen: Black, 6/0 or 140-denier.
Tails: Dark dun Microfibbets.
Tail separator: Tying thread tag end.
Wingpost: White EP Trigger Point Fibers.
Hackle: Light dun hackle.
Thorax: Black Australian possum dubbing.
Head: Tying thread.