Thunder and Lightning Fly

About the Thunder and Lightning Salmon Atlantic Fly

The Thunder and Lightning Longtail on a micro gold treble hook (sizes 16–18) is a refined, low-water take on this famous Atlantic salmon fly pattern. You keep the same high-contrast “black, orange and blue” identity, but in a much smaller, lighter footprint that’s ideal when salmon are sitting higher in the water, the river is clear, or fish are shy of bigger dressings. For many anglers, this is a go-to micro salmon fly when you still want the confidence of a classic, just scaled down for finesse fishing.

Fishing Tips:

How it works

• Big contrast in a small package: Even at size 16–18, the Thunder and Lightning colour combination remains easy for fish to track in bright light and clear water; perfect for a subtle summer salmon fly or low-water option.
• Longtail movement without bulk: The extended fibres “breathe” in the current, giving that lively longtail pulse while keeping the overall profile slim and unobtrusive.
• Micro treble hooking advantage: A small treble can help convert gentle plucks and tentative takes; useful when fish are just mouthing the fly rather than hammering it.
• Classic silhouette, modern finesse: It still reads as a traditional salmon fly, but fishes lighter and cleaner than larger trebles or heavy patterns.

How to fish it

• Fish it like a finesse small treble salmon fly: a controlled down-and-across swing on a floating line (or light tip if needed), with mends to control speed.
• In low, clear conditions, slow the swing and let it swim steadily. Avoid over-manipulating the fly!
• Add the occasional tiny pulse (a slight twitch, not a strip) to make the longtail fibres flare and settle.
• Don’t rush the end: a brief hang down pause often draws a last second take as the fly stalls and “breathes”.

Pattern Heritage

Thunder and Lightning is one of the best-known classic salmon fly names, with a long history and countless variants over the years. The name is often linked with the idea of fishing during, or after, stormy conditions; when water levels and light change quickly and high contrast flies come into their own.

Creator of this salmon atlantic fly: James Wright

Country of origin for this salmon atlantic fly: Scotland

This salmon atlantic fly is designed to be fished on Rivers & Streams