Loop Leech Fly

The Loop Leech Fly is a premier pattern for anglers chasing steelhead and salmon. Designed by Solitude Flies, this articulated streamer combines the lifelike movement of rabbit strips with a heavy dumbbell eye to reach fish quickly. It features a stinger hook attached with a durable loop, which keeps fish pinned during the fight. This pattern is a must-have for your swing box when targeting aggressive fish in cold or high water.

What It Imitates

This fly imitates large leeches, squid, or baitfish that predatory fish cannot resist. While it resembles natural food sources found in river systems, it acts primarily as an attractor pattern. The pulsing rabbit fur and heavy eyes create a swimming motion that triggers an aggressive strike response from steelhead and salmon.

How To Use It

Fish this fly on a swing using a Skagit or Scandi line system. Cast down and across the current, mend your line, and allow the fly to swim through the run under tension. The heavy lead eyes help it drop into the strike zone quickly. You can also strip it back upstream in slower water to mimic a fleeing food source. It works best when fished on a sink tip to ensure it stays near the bottom where fish hold.

When To Use It

The Loop Leech shines in winter steelhead conditions or whenever the water is cold and fish are lethargic. Its large profile and movement make it an excellent choice for off-color or high water where visibility is low. Use darker colors like Black or Purple on cloudy days and brighter options like Pink or Red/Orange when you need to grab the attention of fresh fish.

Why We Like It

We love this pattern because the articulated design prevents fish from using the hook shank as leverage to escape. The rabbit strip body provides incredible movement in the water even with very little current. It sinks fast and stays deep, which is critical for winter fishing. The variety of color options allows you to match the water conditions perfectly.

Comparisons

Loop Leech Fly vs. Intruder Fly:

The Loop Leech relies on a rabbit strip body to create a slithering, snake-like action in the water. An Intruder typically uses materials like ostrich or rhea plumes to create a large profile that collapses and expands. Choose the Loop Leech when you want a denser silhouette that pushes more water and sinks quickly.

Loop Leech Fly vs. Egg Sucking Leech:

The classic Egg Sucking Leech is tied on a single long-shank hook. The Loop Leech is an articulated pattern with a trailing stinger hook. This articulation gives the Loop Leech far more movement and flexibility. The short shank and flexible connection also make it much harder for a jumping steelhead to throw the hook compared to the rigid shank of a standard Egg Sucking Leech.

Loop Leech Fly vs. MOAL Leech:

The MOAL (Mother of All Leeches) is tied on a piece of line with no shank, offering maximum flexibility but less structure. The Loop Leech uses a metal shank at the front with heavy eyes. This gives the Loop Leech a jigging action that dives and swims, whereas the MOAL tends to flow in a straighter line. Use the Loop Leech when you need to get down deep and want a fly that jigs with the current.