Bunny Leeches
The Bunny Leech
From Florida to Alaska and everywhere in between, the bunny leech is undoubtedly one of the top streamers ever created. Bunny leeches are made from rabbit hide strips which adds durability, allowing the fly to hold up to more strikes. The bunny fur imparts an irresistible action which drives big fish CRAZY! This is simply a must have fly if you plan on going after big browns, rainbows, salmon, or bass.
I prefer to use an articulated leech when fishing for pike and musky. By definition, the articulated leech is two or more flies, joined to make one long, wiggly, artificial. The size in itself is enough to draw attention, but its lifelike swimming motion adds a degree of realism that drives fish nuts. For even more action, try the conehead version.
The real reason for this patterns great success is its ability to be adapted to catch virtually any freshwater fish that swims. There's even a pattern that represents a flesh fly commonly used in Alaska hunting giant rainbows feed on spawned out salmon. Just like other version of the bugger family, this fly was originally tied with black rabbit fur strips. More recently the Egg Sucking Leech has created an almost limitless amount of color combinations. Purple or natural rabbit fur variations have proven to be some of the more successful color combinations. This pattern is must have for any fly angler looking to fish spring runs of trout and salmon.
Fishing the Bunny Leech is relatively simple. In colder weather conditions during the winter months, cast towards you target and let it dead drift, drag free. This will keep the fly in the strike zone longer. Fish slow down during in cold weather conditions, so a slow and methodical presentation is best
When the temperatures rise, so doesn’t the activity of the fish. Cast up stream, let is sink for a few seconds, and start a strip retrieve. Remember to vary it up a bit. Wounded bait fish swim erratically. Vary the number of tugs you give. This technique will get aggressive fish to chase and insatiably strike your fly. Rig your rod up with some good sink tip line and get some good quality fluorocarbon tippet and you're good to go!
Tight Lines and Screaming Drags!