The best streamer color for Driftless trout - How to tie a Jig Leech

What’s up, Musky Fools? Trout season is upon us, and you know we’re bringing the heat with game-changing patterns. If you’re heading to the Driftless, you need a jig-style leech in your box—period.

Today, we’re tying a simple, deadly guide-style trout streamer that’s perfect for getting deep into those tricky holesand fooling big, wild browns. Plus, we’re showing off the MFC Bunny Brush, a material that gives this fly insane movement without the bulk of a rabbit strip.

Check out the video tutorial here

Or the list of materials here

And let's get into it!

Why the Jig Leech is a Must-Have in Your Box

Driftless trout love to eat leeches, small sculpins, and anything that moves with confidence. This pattern is simple to tie, easy to cast, and swims with an irresistible jigging action that big fish can’t say no to.

• Fast-sinking – The heavy tungsten bead gets this fly in the zone fast and keeps it there.
• Perfect action – The MFC Bunny Brush moves like a dream without the bulk of traditional rabbit strips.
• Deadly color combo – Tan and peach is an underrated trout killer in the Driftless.

Materials You Need to Tie This Fly

Keeping it simple and effective, here’s what you’ll need:

• Hook: Ahrex PR 374 Jig Hook (size of your choice)
• Bead: 5.5mm slotted tungsten bead (for that perfect jigging motion)
• Thread: Heavy-duty thread (color of choice)
• Tail: Blood Quill Marabou (Tan/Peach/Tan)
• Flash: A touch of Shimmer Boo for extra pop
• Body: MFC Bunny Brush (killer movement, no hide bulk)
• Glue: Superglue or UV resin for durability

Step-By-Step: How to Tie the Jig Leech Streamer

Step 1: Set the Foundation

• Start with an Ahrex PR 374 Jig Hook and slide on a 5.5mm slotted tungsten bead.
• Secure the hook in the vise and wrap a solid thread base from the bead to the bend of the hook.
• Add a drop of superglue behind the bead to lock it in.

Step 2: Tie in the Tail

• Grab three blood quill marabou feathers—tan, peach, and tan again for that killer color scheme.
• Stack them on top of each other and tie them in at the hook bend, keeping the tail about the length of the shank.
• Trim excess stems and secure everything with a few firm thread wraps.

Step 3: Add Some Flash

• Take two or three strands of Shimmer Boo and tie them in on one side of the tail, straight back.
• Repeat on the other side—think of it as a lateral line that gives the fly some extra visibility and movement.

Step 4: Wrap the MFC Bunny Brush Body

• Strip a small section of fibers from the MFC Bunny Brush to expose the wire core.
• Tie in the brush at the base of the tail and start wrapping forward, making sure to pull fibers back with each wrap.
• Keep the wraps tight and even until you reach the bead.
• Secure the brush, trim off excess, and brush everything back to clean up the profile.

Step 5: Add a Final Flash Accent

• Take a small clump of Shimmer Boo and tie it in directly on top of the fly, just behind the bead.
• Keep this clump-style, don’t veil it—we want bold contrast on top.

Step 6: Finish It Off

• Give the fly a few solid whip finishes to lock everything down.
• Add a drop of UV resin or superglue to make sure it’s durable.
• Trim any excess flash, and it's ready to fish.

Why Tan & Peach? A Secret Driftless Hack

Most anglers stick to olive, black, brown, or white—and sure, those work. But tan and peach? It’s a sleeper combo that hammers trout.

Why does it work?

• It mimics sculpins and baitfish in Driftless streams.
• It stands out just enough in clear water without looking unnatural.
• It’s not overused, meaning trout aren’t seeing it constantly.

If you want to fish a color that consistently produces, give tan and peach a shot—you won’t be disappointed.

How to Fish the Jig Leech Like a Pro

This fly is meant to get down fast and stay in the zone. Here’s how to fish it for maximum success:

• Euro-Style Nymphing – Tight-line this fly and let it hop naturally through deep pools and riffles.
• Jig & Strip – Short, quick strips with plenty of pauses to trigger aggressive eats.
• Under an Indicator – A deadly technique, especially in colder water when trout don’t want to chase.

Get Ready for Trout Season

The Driftless is waking up, and the biggest trout are on the hunt. If you don’t have a Jig Leech Streamer in your lineup, you’re missing out. Tie a few up, hit the water, and start catching more fish.

Tight lines, fools! See you on the water.