ReelFlies® GB Sparkle Leech Olive

One of our bestselling leech patterns, the ReelFlies® GB Sparkle Leech Olive is extremely popular with anglers fishing the rivers and lakes of Alberta and British Columbia. Combining a natural olive colour with lively movement and an enticing touch of sparkle, it is a great choice for rainbow trout, steelhead and other trout species, with plenty of appeal for smallmouth bass too.

Its mohair body strands and flowing tail move gently through the water, creating a convincing leech profile. Krystal Flash adds glimmers of reflected light, while the glass bead provides a contrasting focal point. Together, these features deliver a natural looking presentation with enough attraction to draw attention when fish need extra encouragement.

From a slow retrieve over a lake shoal to a controlled swing through a river run, this versatile pattern earns its place in the fly box. It is a favourite among our customers and a top recommendation from the ReelFlies® team.

How to fish it

• Retrieve slowly for lake rainbows: Use a steady hand twist retrieve or short, gentle strips, with pauses that allow the fibres to move naturally.

• Fish beneath an indicator: Suspend the fly at the depth trout are feeding, particularly around shoals and weed edges. Add an occasional gentle twitch.

• Swing through river runs: Cast across and slightly downstream, mend to control the swing, and let the current bring the fly through likely holding water.

• Adjust your depth: Use a floating line in shallow water, an intermediate line for a slow subsurface retrieve, or a suitable sinking line or sink tip to reach deeper fish.

Where to fish it

• Alberta and British Columbia lakes: Explore shoals, weed beds, drop offs and shallow bays where trout search for leeches and other aquatic food.

• Trout rivers: Work current seams, deeper pockets, undercut banks and slower water beside the main flow.

• British Columbia steelhead waters: Swing through runs, pool tails and softer holding water, adjusting depth and speed to suit the conditions.

• Lake inlets and outlets: Target the edges of moving water where feeding fish can intercept food.

• Smallmouth bass habitat: Retrieve beside rocky shorelines, submerged structure and weed edges.