The Foam Wing Callibaetis Parachute is a go-to dry fly for matching the prolific mayfly hatches found on many of the Eastern Sierra’s stillwaters, especially during late spring through fall. With its realistic upright parachute post and subtle mottled foam wing, this pattern imitates the adult stage of the Callibaetis mayfly—a major surface food source in lakes like Crowley, Silver, and the upper lakes of the Mammoth Basin.
The parachute design offers excellent visibility for anglers and a low-floating profile that mimics a freshly emerged dun struggling on the water’s surface. Its foam wing adds buoyancy and a natural silhouette, while the hackle and tail fibers give it balance and realistic motion in calm to lightly riffled water.
This fly is best fished during the late morning to midafternoon hatch windows when trout cruise just below the surface, sipping emergers and adults. It's especially effective when paired with a trailing emerger or fished as a single on a long leader.