California Leech

This is another fantastic stillwater pattern that originated on Henry's Lake, just over the divide from West Yellowstone. Bill Schiess is often credited with the invention of this fly, and according to him, he "got the idea of this fly from the Nick Auyong group from San Luis Obispo, California. In 1995 they had great success with a fly similar to this tied out of Canadian Brown mohair. I added the Lite Brite (copper and river green) to give it a little more flash." Bill claims that this would be his #1 choice if he was only allowed to fish one lake fly! It's effectveness was recognized by another fantastic stillwater angler, Mr. Mike Andreason, who did much to popularize its use outside of our area. Strip it, troll it, hand twist it, even bobber it. Just fish it.

We have these tied for the shop by local tying legend Arrick Swanson, who has been wrapping these for the locals for decades.