StreamersHareball Leech
The Hareball Leech is a heavy, high-movement streamer designed for targeting king salmon in Alaska's rivers. Its palmered rabbit strip body and cactus chenille create an irresistible undulating action in the current. The bright pink head and nickel eyes add visibility and weight for getting deep in heavy flows.
Summer, Fall
Intermediate
King Salmon, Steelhead
Overview
The Hareball Leech is an Alaskan pattern built for swinging through deep runs where king salmon hold. The combination of rabbit strip and cactus chenille produces maximum movement even in slow currents. Tiers often experiment with color combinations beyond the standard purple, including black/chartreuse and pink/white variations to match local water conditions.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Standard salmon hook, size #2–#4
Thread: Black Flymaster Plus
Weight: .030–.035 lead wraps
Tail: Purple rabbit strip with grey ghost Krystal Flash and purple Sparkleflash
Body: Purple cactus chenille (large), palmered with purple rabbit strip
Collar: Purple schlappen
Eyes: Nickel bright eyes, 7/32"
Head: Hot pink Flymaster Plus
Fishing Tips
Season
Most productive during the summer king salmon runs from June through August. Also effective during fall coho and steelhead runs in September and October.
Presentation
Swing on a sink-tip line across and downstream through deep holding water. Use a slow, deliberate strip to activate the rabbit strip movement. Let the fly hang in the current at the end of the swing before stripping back.
When to Use
Best in moderate to heavy flows when kings are holding in deep runs and pools. Effective in stained or off-color water where the bright materials provide visibility. Fish during lower light periods for best results.
Water Type
Deep runs, tailouts, and pools of large salmon rivers. Particularly effective in water 4–8 feet deep with moderate current. Works well in glacial and rain-swollen rivers throughout Alaska.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 7–9 weight rod with a sink-tip or full sinking line. Use a short, stout leader of 0X–2X fluorocarbon, 3–4 feet long. No additional weight needed due to the lead wraps and nickel eyes.
Visibility & Floatation
Sinks quickly due to lead wraps and heavy eyes. The purple body and pink head provide excellent contrast in off-color water. The rabbit strip creates visible movement even at depth, and the Krystal Flash adds subtle flash to attract attention.
