NymphLightning Bug
The Lightning Bug is a flashy, attention-grabbing nymph pattern. It's designed to imitate a variety of small mayfly nymphs and midges, making it a versatile choice for many different fishing conditions. Its bright, reflective materials make it particularly effective in clear water and sunny conditions.
Year Round
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
This flashy nymph pattern uses a pearl or holographic tinsel body, with wire ribbing, a peacock herl thorax, and a bead head. It's quick to tie and deadly in various colors (silver, green, red), especially in fast water.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Fulling Mill FM5085, sizes #14-#18
Head: Nickel-color tungsten bead, 7/64-inch
Thread: White, 8/0 or 140-denier
Weight: Lead-free round wire, .015
Rib: Silver Ultra Wire, small
Tail: Natural pheasant-tail fibers
Body: Silver Holo Tinsel, medium
Wingcase: Opal Mirage Tinsel, large
Legs: Natural pheasant-tail fibers
Thorax: 2 peacock herls
Fishing Tips
Season
The Lightning Bug can be used year round, but it's particularly effective in the spring and fall during mayfly and midge hatches.
Presentation
The Lightning Bug can be used in a dead drift, but it's also effective when twitched or retrieved slowly. This fly is designed to sink quickly, so it's best fished near the bottom of the water column.
When to Use
Use this fly when fish are feeding on small nymphs or midges. It's also a good choice when fishing in clear water, as its flashy body can attract attention from a distance.
Water Type
This pattern is versatile and can be used in both moving and still water. It's particularly effective in clear, sunny conditions due to its reflective body.
Rigging Suggestions
Use a sink tip or full sinking line to get this fly down quickly. A fluorocarbon tippet can help it sink faster and make it less visible to the fish.
Visibility & Floatation
The Lightning Bug is designed to sink and stay submerged. Its bright, reflective body makes it highly visible to fish in clear water.
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