The Purple Haze was invented more than two decades ago by Andy Carlson, who guides on the Bitterroot River, and it has become very popular as both a searching pattern and as an imitation for several mayfly hatches. Over the year’s, Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions has taught us a few versions of the pattern, including a cripple/emerger PH and a sparkly quick-tie PH.
In this great video, Tim demonstrates his current method for creating the standard parachute version, and as usual, he’s got plenty of tips and tricks to make the fly easier to tie and more durable. I think he might have had an extra cup of coffee that morning, though, as his trimming isn’t a precise as we’ve become accustomed to. But Tim is experienced enough to know that the fish won’t mind.
Parachute Purple Haze
Hook: Dry-fly hook (here, a Fulling Mill 5050), size 12-20.
Thread: White, 8/0 or 70-denier.
Tail: Moose body hair.
Wing post: White polypropylene floating yarn.
Body: Wine rabbit-fur dubbing.
Tail: Moose body hair.
Hackle: Brown and grizzly hackle, mixed.
Adhesive: Head cement (here, Sally Hansen Hard-as-Nails).
Tools: Plunger-style hackle pliers, whip-finish tool.
