The Delaware Adams is an iconic dry fly from the Catskill tradition, originally created by the legendary fly tyer Walt Dette of Roscoe, New York. Developed for fishing the Delaware River, this pattern is a refined blend of two classics: the Adams and the Henryville Special.
Designed to imitate a wide range of mayflies, the Delaware Adams is a versatile choice for technical waters and selective trout. It features the traditional Catskill style: upright grizzly hackle tip wings, an olive dubbing body, and a combination of grizzly and brown hackles.
Gigi Rizzo, with his exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail, ties the Delaware Adams using only the finest natural materials. His interpretation respects the historical roots of the fly while offering a modern build that enhances its effectiveness and refined aesthetics.
Gigi Rizzo’s flies are the perfect blend of art and technique, crafted for discerning fly anglers who demand both beauty and performance. Each fly is meticulously tied using only premium natural materials, carefully selected to ensure excellent floatability, durability, and effectiveness.
With over 40 years of fly fishing experience and a certified EFFA instructor, Gigi Rizzo has refined the art of classic dry fly tying, paying obsessive attention to detail and aiming for aesthetic elegance without compromising functionality. His deep knowledge of casting dynamics allows him to design flies that perform flawlessly on the water, offering both technical precision and timeless style.
As vice technical director at the Claudio Carrara Fly Fishing School, Gigi views fly tying as a true extension of his identity—each fly is more than a fishing tool: it's a miniature floating masterpiece.
Why choose Gigi Rizzo’s flies?
- Handcrafted using only top-quality natural materials
- Elegant, classic design with exceptional attention to detail
- Optimized for accurate casts and natural drifts
- Field-tested for top performance in real fishing scenarios
Ideal for anglers who love technical dry fly fishing, Gigi Rizzo’s flies bring together efficiency, aesthetics, and heritage in every cast.