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Streamer / Pattern notes

Bunny Leech

Rabbit fur breathes during pauses and makes a simple, mobile leech profile.

At the vise
Intermediate
Common sizes
#2–8
Flies for TroutFlies for BassFlies for SteelheadFlies for Pike
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From hook to fly

At the vise.

4 steps

Follow this base recipe in order. The materials list specifies one hook size; adjust proportions together when tying another size.

  1. Bead and tail

    Fit the bead and cover the shank with thread. Tie a rabbit-strip tail about one shank long at the bend.

  2. Make a loop

    Create a thread dubbing loop. Cut rabbit fur from the hide, spread it evenly in the loop, and twist to trap it.

  3. Wrap forward

    Wind the fur rope toward the bead, brushing fibers back each turn. Tie off and trim.

  4. Finish

    Whip finish and cement. Brush free trapped fibers, preserving the hook gap.

Beyond the bench

On the water.

Strip slowly and pause. Use stronger hooks and appropriate sizing for steelhead or pike.

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Recipe references

Original written instructions adapted from the sources below. Materials and methods may vary between versions.

For the same fly box.

Illustration of a finished Woolly Bugger flyWoolly BuggerStreamer · #4–12Illustration of a finished Muddler Minnow flyMuddler MinnowStreamer · #4–12Illustration of a finished Zonker flyZonkerStreamer · #2–8