Blue Dun Parachute

The Blue Dun Parachute mimics the same insects as the traditional Blue Dun—primarily adult mayflies like Blue-Winged Olives and other early-season slate-colored duns—but uses a parachute hackle for improved floatation and visibility. The horizontal hackle and white wing post allow the fly to sit flush in the water’s surface, more accurately imitating the natural position of a freshly emerged mayfly.

History:
This parachute variation is a modern twist on the original Blue Dun, designed to enhance both performance and presentation. The parachute style became popular in the mid-20th century for its realistic footprint and easy tracking on the water. By adapting the Blue Dun with this modern silhouette, tiers retained the traditional color scheme while improving the fly’s ability to fool wary fish in slow or clear water. It’s especially useful for anglers fishing during Blue-Winged Olive hatches or other gray-bodied mayfly events.