Madam X
![A closeup look at a madx7 fishing hook in black and white.](https://flyfishingthesierra.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/madx7.jpg)
Madam X
Tying Instructions
Materials
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Hook | TMC 5263 #10-14 |
Thread | Danville 6/0 Yellow Thread |
Body | Danville 6/0 Yellow Thread |
Tail | Elk Hair |
Wing | Elk Hair |
Underwing | Elk Hair |
Legs | Rubber Leg Material |
![Golden Stonefly](https://flyfishingthesierra.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/goldenstone-1.jpg)
![Doug Swisher](https://flyfishingthesierra.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/swisher.jpg)
Doug Swisher
Madam X
The Madam X originated with Doug Swisher in Southwestern Montana during the 1980’s. Primarily used to imitate hoppers and large stoneflies, the Madam X can also be adapted for cicada, dragonflies, crickets, and other large type insects. The original pattern was composed mostly of Elk Hair using a yellow thread ribbing. Additional colors were later incorporated into the body through the use of colored floss, Antron Dubbing, or some other type of colored dubbing.
Floatation Aspects
Usually the Madam X is tied with an underwing, although you will often find this step omitted, depending upon the floatation one desires and the type of insect it is mimicking. The fly floats extremely well with the heavy Elk Hair wing. On smaller sizes, Deer Hair is often substituted and still provides sufficient floatation. Deer Hair can also be a better choice for securing the hair to the shank. The rubber legs give the fly plenty of life-like action and can be trimmed to any size desired.
Parachute
The parachute adaptation to the fly provides for increased visibility. The parachute post can be Antron Yarn, Hi-Vis, or Calf Tail. Rather than using a bullethead-type wing/thorax, the parachutes are usually tied with a peacock herl thorax and a standard hair bundle wing. The wingpost is then secured in front of the wing tie-down position. The Orange Parachute Madam X is primarily used for the large October Caddis hatch in the Sierra. Olive and Yellow colors are used for hoppers, and black for crickets.
The Hi-Vis Parachute Madam X shown below is one provided by Mike Owens for our Favorite Fly Swap of 2006.
Variations
![Parachute Madam X, Yellow](https://flyfishingthesierra.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/madxvar1.jpg)
Parachute Madam X, Yellow
Hook | TMC 5263 #10-14 |
Thread | Danville Yellow 6/0 |
Body | Danville Yellow 6/0 |
Thorax | Peacock Herl |
Tail | Deer Hair |
Wingpost | White Antron yarn |
Wing | Deer Hair |
Hackle | Grizzly Hackle |
Legs | White Rubber legs |
![Parachute Madam X, Orange](https://flyfishingthesierra.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/madxvar2.jpg)
Parachute Madam X, Orange
Hook | TMC 5263 #10-14 |
Thread | Danville Black 6/0 |
Body | Burnt Orange Floss |
Thorax | Peacock Herl |
Tail | Deer Hair |
Wingpost | White Antron yarn |
Wing | Deer Hair |
Hackle | Brown Hackle |
Legs | Purple Rubber legs |
![Parachute Madam X, Red](https://flyfishingthesierra.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/madxvar3.jpg)
Parachute Madam X, Red
Hook | TMC 5263 #10-14 |
Thread | Danville Black 6/0 |
Body | Red Floss |
Thorax | Peacock Herl |
Tail | Deer Hair |
Wingpost | White Antron yarn |
Wing | Deer Hair |
Hackle | Grizzly Hackle |
Legs | Purple Rubber legs |
![Hi-Viz Parachute Madam X, Yellow](https://flyfishingthesierra.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/madxvar4.jpg)
Parachute Madam X, Hi-Vis
Hook | TMC 200R #12 |
Thread | Danville Yellow 6/0 |
Body | Yellow Poly Yarn |
Thorax | Peacock Herl |
Tail | Deer Hair |
Wingpost | Pink Egg Yarn |
Wing | Deer Hair |
Hackle | Brown Grizzly Hackle |
Legs | Yellow Rubber legs |