Hareball Leech

When it comes to swinging for steelhead, leech style patterns have become extremely popular go-to flies. Over the years, the Hareball Leech has fooled salmon and trout from Oregon to Alaska. This particular variation substitutes marabou for rabbit strips on the collar. The marabou helps the fly sink in the column quicker than rabbit, but a variety of natural materials can be used. The great thing about these flies is that they can be as complex or as simple as you like, and are well suited for learning some of the basics of tying steelhead flies. Blue has been a successful color for winter steelhead, but Orange, Chartreuse, Black and Purple are popular as well.”

Materials:

  • Shank: OPST Intruder Shank – 45mm

  • Thread: UTC 140 – Fl. Red

  • Tail: Rabbit Strip – Blue on White

  • Collar: Extra Select Marabou – Fl. Blue, Grizzly Saddle,  Flashabou – Silver, Senyo’s Laser Yarn – Fl. Blue

  • Eyes: Dumbell Eyes

Fly TyingJack ReisSteelhead Flies