Bodkin / Patterns

Leech (General)

Streamer · Trout · Smallmouth Bass · Largemouth Bass · Walleye · Intermediate · 1 version

Classic Recipe

• Hook Streamer, 3x long, 4-10
• Thread Black or olive 6/0

Materials

• Tail Rabbit strip or marabou (full, extends past bend)
• Body Chenille or dubbing (full)
• Weight Cone, bead, or lead wire (to match depth)
• Hackle Saddle or schlappen (optional, palmered)

How to tie it

1. Mount hook, add weight to match the water you fish. Cone for rivers, light bead or nothing for stillwater.
2. Tie in the tail at the bend: rabbit strip for the best undulation, marabou for the softest pulse. About one to one and a half shank lengths.
3. Build a full body forward with chenille or dubbing.
4. Optional: palmer a soft hackle through the body in 3-4 open turns for extra movement.
5. Whip finish.

Tying videos

• Leech (General) — Tim Flagler (Orvis)

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