Parachute Wings for Smaller Flies
I tie smaller parachute flies using a different winging technique. I rarely dub a body on any size 16 or smaller fly; instead, I use thread, tinsel, or a turkey biot for the body. This technique allows tying the abdomen forward to the base of the wing without creating a bump in the body. I add a small dubbed thorax prior to wrapping the hackle.
Step 1 – Place the hook in the vise, and start the thread. Prepare a section of wing material half as thick as the completed wing. Tie the material across the hook using a single crossing wrap; if necessary, adjust the wing up or down the shank. Lock the wing to the hook using four tight crossing wraps. Make four tight thread wraps in front of and behind the wing; these hold the wing in place while tying and fishing the fly.
Step 2 – Brush the material up to form one solid wing. Hold the material upright, and wrap the thread up the base of the wing. Make sure that no wing material shows through the thread wraps; an open spot creates a potential hinge and will weaken the completed wing. The thread post must be tall enough to accommodate a dubbed thorax and the wrapped hackle.
