Published Oct 10. 2001 - 22 years ago
Updated or edited Mar 11. 2023

Bunny Leech

This is a steelhead pattern, normally made with black or purple rabbit. But with natural rabbit it makes a very good pattern for the coast. By cutting a narrower strip of rabbit and choosing natural colors a lighter dressing is achieved. Good for spring fishing and fishing in current like over reefs.

This is a steelhead pattern, normally made with black or purple rabbit. But with natural rabbit it makes a very good pattern for the coast. By cutting a narrower strip of rabbit and choosing natural colors a lighter dressing is achieved. Good for spring fishing and fishing in current like over reefs. Will need 5-10 minutes to soak before fishing really well.

Hook 2-6 straight eye streamer hook.
Thread Tan, brown or red
Tail Back end of zonker strip
Body Red flash dubbing, with open twists of rabbit over it
Wing A few straws of flash
Head Color of thread

  1. Tie in the thread at the hook bend and secure the zonker strip with app. 8 mm sticking out as a tail.
  2. Whip finish over the tail, but don't cut thread.
  3. Dub thread with red flash dubbing, and cover hook shank with a thin layer of dubbing
  4. Wind rabbit strip palmer wise so that hair is backwards (stroke with wet fingers while turning).
  5. Tie down at hook eye and cut.
  6. Tie in 4 straws of flash same length as entire fly.
  7. Form head and varnish.

 

This can end up as an extremely fluffy fly when dry, but collapses when it gets wet. It takes time to soak up water, so prepare it by carrying it under water in a box or--like I do--stick them on your waders or boots. It's heavy when wet, but it has life in the water like few other flies.

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leeches are crazy....

leeches are crazy.

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