There are eight known species of leech in Montana (per Montana Field Guide). Most, if not all are predatory leeches that feed on other annelids and small aquatic insect invertebrates. (think typical midge larvae, mayfly larvae and small caddis pupa). Leeches are not uncommon in rivers that have any sort of slow backwaters. For the most part they are nocturnal but can occasionally be seen swimming in slow, shallow rivulets or backwaters during low light hours. Scientists who have studied leeches believe they will actively enter stream flows to feed when small invertebrates are plentiful. (Think your typical midge or small mayfly hatch). They are good swimmers. (see video). On recent trips to the upper meadows of the Gibbon River, mottled gray/green, brownish green and light gray leeches were a common sight in small pools and rivulets next to the river. A great number of the browns caught were regurgitating earthworms and leeches.
Swimming leech
Enter the simple Mini Pine Squirrel Zonker. These can be tied in just a few minutes each and replicate typical stream leeches extremely well.
A strip of zonked pine squirrel looks remarkably like the real thing (leech)
Two simple materials-- A strip of zonked pine squirrel and palmer chenille. Four steps:
1. Tie in the pine squirrel strip with the hair facing rearward at the hook bend.
2. Tie in the palmer chenille just in front of the pine squirrel, add a small drop of head cement and wind thread, then palmer chenille forward to within 1/4" of the hook eye.
3. Stretch the pine squirrel over the palmer chenille and secure with wraps 1/4" from the hook eye.
4. Wrap the pine squirrel strip twice around the hook shank and secure with thread wraps.
Swimming leech
Enter the simple Mini Pine Squirrel Zonker. These can be tied in just a few minutes each and replicate typical stream leeches extremely well.
A strip of zonked pine squirrel looks remarkably like the real thing (leech)
Two simple materials-- A strip of zonked pine squirrel and palmer chenille. Four steps:
1. Tie in the pine squirrel strip with the hair facing rearward at the hook bend.
2. Tie in the palmer chenille just in front of the pine squirrel, add a small drop of head cement and wind thread, then palmer chenille forward to within 1/4" of the hook eye.
3. Stretch the pine squirrel over the palmer chenille and secure with wraps 1/4" from the hook eye.
4. Wrap the pine squirrel strip twice around the hook shank and secure with thread wraps.
Last edited: