Dolly Llama Chartreuse/Pink 2
The Dolly Llama was developed about 10 years ago during the rise of the string leech revolution. It combines two popular patterns—’Double Bunny’ and Cone head string leech—blending their appeal. The design features upsized cones to reduce reliance on split shot or a head, making it ideal for fishing from ice shelves 5–10 feet above river level. This fly has become the top-selling pattern in Alaska, surpassing the Egg Sucking Leech in popularity. Over time, many fly companies have released variations, each adding minor tweaks to the original design.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Pattern Type | String leech blend with double bunny and cone head elements |
| Design Purpose | Fishing from ice shelves, especially in Alaska |
| Original Popularity | Number one selling fly in Alaska |
| Usage Note | Designed to minimize need for split shot or head |
FAQ
What makes the Dolly Llama different from other string leech patterns?
The Dolly Llama combines elements of the Double Bunny and Cone head string leech patterns, with upsized cones that reduce the need for split shot or a head, making it more effective when fishing from elevated ice shelves.
Is this fly suitable for use in rivers with deep ice coverage?
Yes, the design is specifically optimized for fishing from ice shelves 5–10 feet above river level, making it well-suited for deep ice conditions.
Has the Dolly Llama been copied by other brands?
Yes, several fly companies have created variations of the Dolly Llama, each adding slight modifications to the original pattern.
Lisa Morgan –
Fished this on a cold Alaskan river from an ice shelf and it caught a large trout. The cone size helps keep it stable without needing split shot. Works great in icy conditions.
Claire Rees –
Used it during a winter trip to the Yukon. The chartreuse and pink coloration stood out in the murky water. Caught several fish, though a few were smaller than expected.
Dylan Bower –
This is the go-to fly for ice fishing in Alaska. The design is simple but effective. No need for extra gear like split shot. Works well even in choppy conditions.
Virginia Harris –
It performs okay, but the pink color doesn’t stand out as much in clear water. Might be better suited for low-light or murky environments.
Madeleine Scott –
Perfect for standing on ice. The upsized cones keep it steady and it floats well. Caught a big brown trout on the second cast. Highly recommend for ice fishing.