Fly Tying: Larimer’s ES Loop Leech

The beauty behind the Larimer ES Loop Leech is its simplicity with the materials. This super wiggly, swimmy pattern is effective for salmon, steelhead, and trout. The best part of this particular fly is the combination of colors you can tie it in. One of our favorite color combinations is a Chartreuse head and Black body.

Fly Design by Tom Larimer

Tie, Instructions, and Photos by Mike Brown of Mossy’s Fly Shop in Anchorage, Alaska.

Shank: Aqua 27mm Return Eye Shank
Articulation Material: 30lb Power Pro
Lead Eyes: Medium Nickle Plated
Tail: Zonker Rabbit Strip Purple
Under Body: UV Purple Ice Dub
Over Body: Rabbit Strip Purple
Collar: Purple Schlappen
Flash: Mix of Purple Krinkle Flash, Pink Krinkle Flash & Opal Mirage Flashabou
Head: UV Pink Ice Dub
Hook: Firehole 714 Sz 4
Thread: Veevus GSP 100

Step 1. Place shank in vice, attach articulation, and adjust to appx. 3-3 ½ overall length. Tie in dumbbell eyes. Leave one hook eye width in front of the dumbbells.

Step 2. Tie in rabbit, make tail a little longer than the articulation material. Do not cut rabbit, fold back out of way.

Step 3. Using your ice dub, dub a small body forward. Leave 1-1 ½ hook eye width back of dumbbells.

Step 4. Pull rabbit over the top and secure. Trim access rabbit off.

Step 5. Tie in your schlappen.

Step 6. Wrap your schlappen forward, two to three turns. Tie off and trim.

Step 7. Using a mix of the assorted flashes, tie in a generous amount down each flank. Trim the flash just short of the tail.

Step 8: Place your ice dub in a dubbing loop. You will want enough to make a couple turns behind the dumbbells, figure-eight over and a couple turns in front.

Step 9: Spin and then brush and pick out trapped fibers.

Step 10: Wrap two turns behind the eyes, figure eight over them, and two turns in front. Tie off, trim excess, build head, and whip finish. Install hook and half hitch tail into the loop.