Egg-Sucking Leech
Imitates: Leech robbing trout/salmon eggs from a redd
Quick Reference
- Best Sizes
- #4-8
- Best Season
- Fall (spawn) and Winter, Alaska season
- Best Conditions
- Behind spawning fish, deep pools, big rivers, trophy water
- Water Temp
- 35-55°F
- Recommended Tippet
- 1X-3X (or 10-15 lb mono)
How to Rig It
Single streamer on a short leader. Swing on a sink-tip or strip slow through deep pools.
How to Present It
Swing across spawning runs and let it hang behind a redd. Strip slowly through deep pools. The pink egg head triggers strikes from fish guarding eggs.
Why It Works
Combines two trigger foods — leech (movement) and egg (color). When trout and salmon spawn, opportunistic predators (rainbow trout, bull trout, dolly varden) gorge on dropped eggs. A leech 'sucking' an egg drives them insane.
History
Originated in Alaska in the 1970s for rainbow trout, dolly varden, and salmon. Now standard for any salmonid spawn in Alaska, the Great Lakes, and Western tailwaters.
Pro Tip
Pink head with a black or purple marabou tail is the deadliest combo for fall rainbows behind spawning browns. Don't be afraid of bright colors — egg-stealers want to be seen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an Egg-Sucking Leech imitate?+
A leech feeding on dropped eggs from a spawning redd. It combines two of the highest-protein food sources for opportunistic salmonids.
When should I fish an Egg-Sucking Leech?+
During and after the fall spawn (Oct-Dec). Also year-round in Alaska and the Great Lakes for steelhead and trophy rainbows.
What's the best color Egg-Sucking Leech?+
Black tail with a hot pink egg head is the universal best-seller. Purple tail with chartreuse egg works in stained water.
Not sure if Egg-Sucking Leech is right today?
Get a fly recommendation based on live water temp, flow, sky, and time of day for any river in the US.
Open Fly Advisor
Map
Fly Guide