Lightning Bug
This variation on a beadhead pheasant tail nymph has proven to be a very effective all purpose nymph in both tail waters and freestone streams. If I had to limit my Missouri River flybox to one pattern, it would be this fly. The pattern was developed by Larry Graham, a Montana guide, and published in the Spring 1998 issue of Fly Tying. I was introduced to the fly by Gary Stocker, Montana Fly Goods. Gary ties his lightning bugs with mylar tinsel. He uses pheasant tail barbs, tied in behind the thorax, to form a wing case and legs. After tying the wing case, he pulls the tag end of the mylar forward, over the wing case to form a flash back and to help divide the legs.