Glitter Bear Atlantic Salmon Fly
Glitter Bear Atlantic Salmon Fly

Atlantic Salmon Fly, Hairwing, Glitter Bear

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Description

Glitter Bear – Atlantic Salmon Hairwing Wet Fly

The Glitter Bear is a modern variation of the classic Black Bear Green Butt Atlantic salmon fly. Featuring a black bear-hair wing, green Krystal Flash underwing, iridescent peacock herl body and chartreuse tag, this pattern combines traditional salmon fly construction with a distinctive touch of flash.

The dark wing provides a strong silhouette, while the green flash and silver rib add contrast as the fly swings through the current.

Why Fish the Glitter Bear?

  • Distinctive colour contrast: Black bear hair, green Krystal Flash and a chartreuse tag create a recognizable profile.

  • Natural iridescence: A peacock herl body and silver tinsel rib add subtle reflective highlights.

  • Traditional presentation: Well suited to swinging through Atlantic salmon runs and holding pools.

  • Versatile fishing conditions: A useful choice in moderate flows, overcast conditions and fading light.

A worthwhile addition to any Atlantic salmon wet fly collection, the Glitter Bear offers a modern interpretation of a traditional dark-wing salmon pattern.

Tied by DcTackle in Canada.

Pattern History

The Glitter Bear is a modern variation of the traditional Black Bear Green Butt Atlantic salmon fly, attributed to Bill Taylor and David Clark of the Atlantic Salmon Federation.

The pattern retains the dark bear-hair wing associated with the Black Bear family while introducing green Krystal Flash beneath the wing for added visual contrast.

DcTackle's version features a peacock herl body, chartreuse tag, golden pheasant crest tail and silver tinsel accents, combining traditional Atlantic salmon wet fly construction with a subtle flash enhancement.

Fishing Notes

The Glitter Bear is a versatile Atlantic salmon wet fly suited to traditional downstream-and-across presentations through salmon runs and holding pools.

Its black bear-hair wing creates a strong silhouette, while the green Krystal Flash underwing and chartreuse tag provide contrasting highlights. The peacock herl body adds natural iridescence as the fly moves through the current.

Fish the Glitter Bear on a controlled swing, adjusting casting angle and presentation depth to suit the water. It is a worthwhile choice in moderate flows, overcast conditions or whenever a dark-wing salmon fly with an added touch of colour and flash is desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size Atlantic salmon fly should I choose?
Fly size depends on factors such as water level, water temperature, clarity, season and fishing conditions. Larger flies are often selected for higher or colder water, while smaller flies are commonly used as water levels fall and temperatures rise. Local preferences and river conditions can also influence fly selection.
Are these flies suitable for Atlantic salmon fishing in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Yes. These patterns are suitable for Atlantic salmon fishing in Newfoundland and Labrador, although individual patterns, sizes and presentations may be better suited to particular rivers or conditions. Where useful, additional information is provided in the Pattern History and Fishing Notes for the individual fly.
Are these Atlantic salmon flies tied in Canada?
Yes. DcTackle Atlantic salmon flies are tied in Canada by DcTackle using carefully selected fly-tying materials.
What materials are used in these Atlantic salmon flies?
The materials vary by pattern. The Pattern Recipe on each product page identifies the dressing used for that particular fly. Where appropriate, the Material Alternatives section also identifies other materials that can be used in place of traditional or specified materials.
Can I substitute different materials when tying this pattern?
Yes. Many traditional Atlantic salmon patterns have been dressed with different materials over time, often because of availability, regional preference or changes in fly-tying materials. Where suitable alternatives exist, they are identified in the Material Alternatives section of the product page.
Can I purchase the materials used to tie this pattern?
Where materials are available from DcTackle, they are shown in the Shop the Pattern section of the product page. Availability varies by pattern and material.

Shop the Pattern

Everything you need to tie this pattern, matched to the exact materials used.

Pattern Recipe

SW-013 · Glitter Bear

Hook
Maruto M30 Black Salmon
Thread
Semperfli 8/0 CWT Thread
Tip
Oval Silver Tinsel
Tag
Stretch Nylon - Chartreuse
Tail
Golden Pheasant Crest Feather
Body
Peacock herl
Rib
Oval Silver Tinsel
Throat / Collar Hackle
Black Schlappen or Soft Hen Hackle Fibers
Underwing
Krystal Flsh - Green (3-4 strands folded over)
Wing — Layer 1
Black Bear Hair
Head Finish
Black Thread and UV Black resin - Ultra Thin

Tying Video

Tying video coming soon.

This recipe represents the DcTackle dressing. Traditional Atlantic salmon flies often have multiple accepted variations, and materials may differ between historical, regional and contemporary dressings.

Image Note: Some product graphics use AI-assisted presentation. Fly imagery is based on actual DcTackle-tied flies; AI may be used for backgrounds, supporting imagery and visual presentation.

Pattern Notes

1. Sometimes gold oval tinsel is used in place of the silver

2. Soft hackle fibers is a also a great alternative to schalppen. Just cut off a sufficient amount of fibers to act as a throat. (A wrapped soft hackle is also an alternative but for commercial tying simple throat fibers are more common)

3. I use Green Krystall flash for the underwing and prefer the Hareline Brand as it is stiffer than some other brands that use the Krystal Flash naming. There are howvere great alternatives on the market. Don't be afraid to experiment

4. Alter the size of the oval silver tinsel according to hook sizing

5. The peacock herl body is typically reinforced by reverse wrapping the oval tinsel rib. Adjust the amount of peacock herl strands according to hook size and fullness of the body required. Note: Synthetic products like Semperfli "Synthetic peacock" have also become popular in recent years as it provides a much stronger alternative

Free Atlantic Salmon Fly Anatomy & Proportions Guide

Explore the nine key components of a traditional Atlantic salmon wet fly, with practical guidance on proportions, materials and construction details.

This illustrated reference from the DcTackle tying bench is available as a free downloadable PDF.

Download Free Guide