Streamer · #136 of 382

Bunny Leech

Also known as: Black Bunny Leech, Zonker Leech

Imitates: Leech, baitfish, large nymph

Best Sizes: #6-10
Best Season: Spring and fall
Best Conditions: Stillwaters, slow rivers, lakes, tailwaters
Water Temp: 40-65°F
Recommended Tippet: 3X fluorocarbon, 6wt rod

How to Rig It

Single streamer with bead chain or dumbbell eyes for jigging action.

How to Present It

Slow strip-pause-strip retrieve. The rabbit fur breathes on the pause — most takes happen there.

Why It Works

Real rabbit fur pulses and undulates with every twitch of the rod, perfectly mimicking a swimming leech. The bead chain eyes give it a jig-like up-and-down motion trout can't resist.

History

A Western stillwater staple, the Bunny Leech is the go-to fly for lake-fed rainbows and browns where leeches dominate the menu.

Pro Tip

Black is king on overcast days. Switch to olive or brown in sunny clear water and add a hint of red Krystal Flash near the head.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bead chain or dumbbell eyes?+

Bead chain for shallow water and slow swing. Dumbbell eyes for deeper lakes where you need to jig it on the bottom.

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