Lake Leech
Leeches thrive in still waters and are a primary food source for lake-dwelling trout and bass throughout the open water season. The Lake Leech imitates the undulating, swimming motion of a leech with an effective marabou or rabbit strip body. Fish it from a float tube or drift boat in lakes and reservoirs on a slow, hand-over-hand retrieve with long pauses. Brown, olive, and black are the most productive colors.
- Type
- streamer (Streamer)
- Hook sizes
- #4–10
- Target species
- trout, bass
- Difficulty
- beginner
- Best seasons
- spring, summer, fall
Materials
- hook: 3X long nymph or streamer hook #4–10
- thread: Black or olive 6/0
- bead: Black tungsten bead or cone
- body: Black, olive, or brown rabbit fur strip, wound
Tying steps
- Mount a size 4–10 3X long hook; slide on a black tungsten bead or cone.
- Start black thread behind the bead.
- Cut a rabbit fur strip slightly longer than the hook shank; tie it by the skin at the bend.
- Wind the rabbit strip forward in touching turns as both body and wing.
- Tie off the strip at the bead; build a thread collar.
- Whip finish and cement; optionally add bead-chain eyes for a jigging action.
- Apply UV resin over the thread head behind the bead and cure — this locks the bead in place and adds shine.
- Wet the fly before fishing; the rabbit strip absorbs water and produces maximum undulation on the retrieve.
- Pull the Flashabou strands gently from the front to confirm each strand is firmly secured on both sides of the body — retie any loose or slipping strands.