Lefty Leech

Created by Jeff Morgan

HOOK: Dai Riki 270, size 12 BODY: Olive, brown, or black Ultra Suede UNDERBODY: Sparse sparkle dubbing. Use just enough to cover the hook shank BUTT: Black brass bead BANDS: Sparkle dubbing to match body

Uses

Nearly all lakes have leeches, but very few north American species are blood suckers. They are naturally nocturnal, so trout don't see very many during the daytime. But when a fish spots one, it is usually interested, because a leech represents a good meal.

 
When swimming, leeches are thin and elongated. They often thrash about and don't have a lot of forward progress. The Lefty Leech imitates the shape and (especially) the action of natural leeches.

 
Both trout and black bass feed on leeches, so this is a good multi-use pattern.

How to Fish

In lakes, use the count-down-and-retrieve. Retrieve in rapid, short spurts. If this fly is trolled or stripped with long pulls, it will wobble and the front chunk of the leather will flop around awkwardly. So use a short, stuttering retrieve.

 
Tying Instructions

1. De-barb hook, slide on bead, place in vise.

 
2. Tie on leather behind bead.

 
3. Dub sparkle dubbing over tie-in point.

 
4. Tie off leather ahead of bead. Dub sparkle dubbing over tie in point.

 
5. Dub hook shank with sparkle dubbing. Keep it sparse.

 
6. Tie off leather strip at front of fly, leaving one inch hanging in front.

 
7. Dub over tie-in point.

 
8. Whip-finish and trim.