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Lightning BugNymphbeginner

Rocky Mountain West

Lightning Bug

Flybox sourcing profile

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Available Sizes#12 - #18
Color Variations
Silver/PearlGoldCopper

Pattern Ledger

Source Lightning Bug

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Trusted Sourcing Ledger

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Exact links are published only after the product name and live page are checked. TWG does not sell the fly, set the price, or control stock, shipping, or returns.

Exact source still under review

We have not published an exact product link for this pattern yet. The directory below can help locate a regional specialist, but it is not proof that the exact fly is currently listed.

Regional source directory

Regional shop

Taos Fly Shop

Matched on Rocky Mountain West, nymph flies, trout. New Mexico/Southwest trout shop lead for Rio Grande, San Juan, Pecos, and high desert water.

Rocky Mountain Westnymph flies
Specialist source

Rocky Mountain Fly Design

Matched on Rocky Mountain West, nymph flies, trout. Colorado tier and shop lead for Rocky Mountain trout, bass, and predator patterns.

Rocky Mountain Westnymph flies
Specialist source

Stillwater Fly Fishing Store

Matched on Rocky Mountain West, nymph flies, trout. Specialist stillwater source for balanced leeches, chironomids, and lake-trout logic.

Rocky Mountain Westnymph flies
Broad catalog

Fulling Mill Flies

Matched on nymph flies, trout, nymph. Large pattern house with broad freshwater and saltwater fly categories.

nymph fliestrout

These are independent businesses. A listing does not imply endorsement or partnership. TWG currently receives no purchase commission from these links. Any future paid or affiliate relationship will be labeled beside the relevant link.

When the water is stained and the trout cannot see your carefully tied Pheasant Tail, you reach for the Lightning Bug. It is the nymph that brings its own light show -- tinsel body, flashback wing case, and a bead that catches whatever ambient light exists in murky water. It is gaudy by nymph standards, which in the restrained world of subsurface imitation means it has a tinsel rib and a wing case that glints. Trout in off-color water eat it because they can actually see it, which is a prerequisite for eating anything.

Quick Facts

TypeNymph
Difficultybeginner
SeasonsSpring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Target SpeciesRainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Mountain Whitefish
Sizes#12 - #18
Best LocationsYellowstone River, MT; North Platte River, WY; Snake River, WY

Where to Fish It

Yellowstone River

MT · Freestone River

North Platte River

WY · Freestone River

Snake River

WY · Freestone River

Loading map...

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