Learn how to tie the Lightning Bug pattern including step-by-step instructions, a video tutorial, pictures, and much more. Improve your fly tying skills here.

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The Lightning Bug is an effective nymph that seldom fails to catch a trout’s attention. The fly pairs a realistic profile with a flashy body, making it a functional attractor pattern and a realistic imitation of slim-bodied mayflies like BWOs. You will never want to leave the Lightning Bug out of your trout box.

Materials

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Step One

Begin the pattern by sliding the bead to the hook's eye, then lay a thread base from below the bead to the curve.

Step Two

Stack four pieces of pheasant tail fibers on top of each other, then tie on at the shank's rear. Be sure the fibers facing rearward are around the length of the hook.

Step Three

Next, advance the thread forward, then clip the outward-facing pheasant tail material.

Step Four

Tie 4 inches of the Silver Mylar Tinsel material on top of the shank, at the midsection.

Step Five

Secure a strand of Ultra-Wire three-quarters of the way up the shank.

Step Six

Advance the tinsel material up the shank with evenly spaced wraps before stopping about a pencil's width from the bead.

Step Seven

Advance the Ultra-Wire to the thorax with even spacing between each wrap.

Step Eight

Tie an inch of the Venus Pearl Tinsel on the pattern's neck to start the wingcase.

Step Nine

For the Lightning Bug’s collar, tie the peacock herl near the tinsel, then wrap the material around the neck. Secure the peacock herl with a half-hitch, then clip the extra fabric.

Step Ten

We are using the pheasant tail material again for the pattern’s legs. Tie four strands on each side of the shank, then clip the outward-facing fibers.

Step Eleven

Finish the wingcase by pulling the tinsel forward then tying it on below the bead. Add several securing wraps, hit a half-hitch, and clip the excess material.

Step Twelve

The Lightning Bug is ready for the water after securing a half-hitch.