atlantic salmon wet fly. thunder and lightning. black body with black wing and orange throat gold ribbing
atlantic salmon wet fly. thunder and lightning. black body with black wing and orange throat gold ribbing

Atlantic Salmon Fly, Hairwing, Thunder & Lightning - Dark Wing

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Description

The Thunder & Lightning – Dark Wing is a hairwing interpretation of the classic Atlantic salmon pattern. Its black body, gold ribbing and distinctive orange-and-blue throat are paired with a dark hair wing, creating the strong contrast characteristic of this traditional fly.

The DcTackle dressing uses black opossum for the wing while retaining the recognizable colours and character of the Thunder & Lightning.

Tied in Canada by DcTackle.

Pattern History

Thunder & Lightning is one of the classic Atlantic salmon flies of the nineteenth century and is generally credited to James Wright of Sprouston on the River Tweed, an influential Scottish fly dresser responsible for several enduring salmon patterns. Early versions featured a black silk body with gold tinsel, orange hackle, a blue throat and a feather wing.

Like many traditional salmon flies, Thunder & Lightning has evolved through numerous dressings and interpretations. Later hairwing versions simplified the original feather-wing construction while retaining the distinctive dark body and contrasting orange, blue and gold colour scheme. The DcTackle Dark Wing dressing continues that tradition as a practical modern hairwing, using black opossum for the wing and an orange schlappen throat overlaid with blue guinea fowl.

Fishing Notes

Thunder & Lightning is a strong-contrast Atlantic salmon pattern traditionally associated with changing light, rising water and slightly coloured conditions. The combination of a black body, gold tinsel and orange-and-blue throat gives the fly a distinctive presence in the water.

Fish it on a traditional down-and-across wet-fly swing through pools, runs and faster holding water. Adjusting fly size to water level and clarity allows the pattern to be fished across a broad range of conditions, with larger sizes providing greater presence in heavier water and smaller dressings suited to lower or clearer flows.

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-003 · Thunder & Lightning - Dark Wing

Hook
Maruto M30
Thread
Semperfli 8/0 and 12/0 Black CWT Thread depending on hook size
Tip
Oval Gold Tinsel
Tag
Bright Yellow Floss
Tail
Golden Pheasant Crest Feather
Butt
Black Ostrich Herl
Body
Black Floss with underbody of Black Uni-Stretch on larger hook sizes
Rib
Oval Gold Tinsel
Throat / Collar Hackle
Orange Schlappen with Blue Guinea Fowl over
Wing — Layer 1
Black Opossum Hair or substitute
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

Black American opossum hair is the DcTackle wing standard for this dressing, although moose hair, fox tail, and other suitable hair-wing materials may also be used. Black floss is used over a base layer of black nylon stretch; the underbody is optional and may be omitted depending on personal preference.

Black ostrich herl is used for the butt in the DcTackle dressing and is a standard component on many DcTackle salmon flies, although some dressings omit it.

Orange schlappen with blue guinea fowl over is used for the throat in the DcTackle dressing. An alternative dressing uses orange guinea fowl with blue guinea fowl over. The size of the oval gold tinsel used for the tip and rib should be adjusted to suit the hook size and personal preference.