LeechStarlight Leech
The Starlight Leech is a heavy, eye-catching pattern originally designed for steelhead and adapted for salmon fishing in Alaska. Its contrasting black body and chartreuse chenille head create a distinctive two-tone profile that stands out in deep, fast water. The rabbit strip tail and schlappen collar provide maximum movement and lifelike action.
Summer, Fall
Intermediate
Steelhead, Salmon
Overview
The Starlight Leech was adapted from a proven steelhead pattern for use in Alaska's salmon rivers. The distinctive chartreuse head against the black body creates a high-contrast hotspot that draws strikes from aggressive fish. Common color variations include green/black and pink/purple, allowing anglers to match conditions and species preferences. The optional lead wraps let tiers adjust the sink rate for different water depths and current speeds.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Standard salmon hook, size #2–#4
Thread: Black Flymaster Plus (body), chartreuse Flymaster Plus (head)
Weight: .030–.035 lead wraps (optional)
Tail: Black rabbit strip
Body: Black cactus chenille (large)
Collar: Black schlappen
Eyes: Nickel bright eyes (large)
Head: Chartreuse chenille, wrapped around eyes
Fishing Tips
Season
Effective from midsummer through late fall, covering both the peak salmon runs (July–September) and the steelhead season (September–November). Particularly productive during higher water conditions common in fall.
Presentation
Swing on a sink-tip line through deep runs and tailouts. Let the fly sweep across the current at a steady pace, allowing the rabbit strip and schlappen to pulse with movement. Vary the angle and speed of the swing to cover different depths and holding lies.
When to Use
Best in moderate to heavy flows where the weight and bulk of the pattern help it hold in the strike zone. The high-contrast color scheme excels in stained or off-color water. Effective during overcast days and low-light periods when fish are more aggressive.
Water Type
Deep runs, slots, and pools in large salmon and steelhead rivers. Particularly effective in water 4–8 feet deep with moderate to fast current. Works well in both clear-water and glacially influenced river systems throughout Alaska.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 7–9 weight rod with a sink-tip line matched to the water depth. Use a short leader of 0X–2X fluorocarbon, 3–5 feet long. The lead wraps and nickel eyes provide substantial weight, so additional split shot is rarely needed.
Visibility & Floatation
Sinks fast with lead wraps and heavy eyes, reaching the bottom quickly in deep runs. The black body provides a dark silhouette visible from below, while the chartreuse head creates a bright attractor point. The rabbit strip tail undulates continuously, maintaining lifelike movement even when the fly is stationary in the current.
