Rabbit Strip Leech Tying Instructions (Leach) from Silverside Outfitters and Guide Service - Northwest Michigan's Finest Flyfishing

Rabbit-strip Leech- a effective, easy to tie streamer. Can be tied in any color or size depending on conditions. White is a good early season color, fish black after a good rain, olive on sunny days, and yellow later in the season or when the other colors aren't working. Fish small sizes to imitate salmon fry and larger sizes to suggest a big meal. A trout will strike a fly almost as big as they are long.

Most guides I know use a Tenny/Rio 200gr. or 300gr. sink tip for streamer fishing. Not only does it help to get your fly down, but makes it easy to roll cast a heavy fly. Keep some of the sinking portion of the line within the rod and you will be able to roll cast far enough to cover the water on most small to mid. sized streams. On larger rivers, use a roll pickup to get the fly up near the surface, make 1 false cast, and shoot the rest of the line for greater distance. Vary the retrieve until you find what the fish want. Slower strips when the water is cold, and faster strips once it warms up. Foot long strips at a medium speed is a good place to start. You can not strip your fly too fast, a trout will catch your fly if it wants it bad enough. If a fish is chasing your fly DO NOT STOP your retrieve. Some fish will chase your fly all the way back, and smash it at boat side or your feet. Change color and retrieve if you have a chase but no strike.

Use barbless hooks if you intend to catch & release. Barbless hooks are much easier to remove and cause less damage to a fish, yourself, or guide once hooked. Good Luck!

Hook: Any Daiichi(smash down barb before fishing!)

Thread: white

Tail(optional): pearl Flashabou

Rib: gold wire

Body: pearl braid

Rabbit strip: white

Collar: soft hackle/Schlappen

Eyes: silver bead chain

Step 1: Tie in tail of pearl Flashabou