Pattern Library
Adams fly pattern
Dry · #11 of 129

Adams

Imitates: Generic mayfly adult

Quick Reference

Best Sizes
#12-20
Best Season
Year-round
Best Conditions
Anywhere mayflies hatch — the universal dry fly
Water Temp
50-68°F
Recommended Tippet
5X

How to Rig It

Single dry, or as a hopper-dropper indicator.

How to Present It

Dead-drift over rising fish or as a searching pattern through likely lies.

Why It Works

Gray hackle and grizzly wings mimic the silhouette of nearly any mayfly dun. When you don't know what's hatching, the Adams is right often enough.

History

Leonard Halladay tied it in 1922 in Mayfield, Michigan, for his friend Charles Adams. Has changed almost nothing in 100+ years.

Pro Tip

A Parachute Adams in #16 is the single best 'I don't know what to throw' dry fly ever made.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Adams imitate?+

It's a generic mayfly dun — close enough to many species (BWO, PMD, callibaetis) to fool trout when an exact match isn't needed.

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