Parachute Adams, courtesy Fly and Field.

Trout are extremely sensitive to every current and motion of the water. The stream brings food, provides a place to rest, and affords escape from predators. When fishing dry flies, cast upstream to the main runs and spots where natural flies are funneled by the current. Keep excess slack out of the line and be ready to set the hook.

The Adams is one of those flies that duplicate many varieties of mayfly. The Parachute Adams is a variation that always seems to light on the water the way you want it to and the white wing makes it easy to spot on riffled water. Because the parachute softens the landing, it is a good pattern to use in shallow water. Fish it dead-drift and watch it disappear in the mouth of a rising trout.

Tie the Parachute Adams on a No. 10-20 dry fly hook. Tie in dark moose hair for the tail. Twist on light gray squirrel fur for the body. Use a single clump of white calf tail or foam for the wingpost. Wind brown and grizzly hackle around the parachute post and finish.