Thunder & Lightning fly & photo...Marvin Nolte, USA.

The Thunder & Lightning was originated in the mid 1800's and is from the stable of the highly talented and famous Scottish fly dresser, James Wright. There are several different versions including Hale's, Maxwell's and Kelson's, among others but the version presented here is the most complicated of the lot. It comes from "How to Dress Salmon Flies" by Pryce Tannatt and this version is the one that was most specially suited for fishing conditions in Ireland. This pattern has a more complicated wing of tippet fibres, under a "married" wing of yellow, red and blue swan, bustard, golden pheasant tail, and two sections of brown mallard as a roof. While this more complex version is rarely used for salmon fishing today, the original pattern continues to be used world-wide.


The Dressing:

Tag: Silver thread and golden yellow floss.
Tail: A topping and Indian Crow.
Butt: Black Ostrich herl.
Body: Black silk floss.
Ribs: Oval silver tinsel.
Hackle: A fiery brown hackle.
Throat: Blue Jay.
Wings: Mixed-"married" strands of yellow, scarlet and blue Swan, Bustard and Golden Pheasant tail; strips of brown Mallard over.
Horns: Blue and yellow Macaw.
Head: Black ostrich herl.

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