Fly Tying Inventory
Balanced Leech
A revolutionary stillwater pattern designed to hang horizontally under an indicator. The pin and bead balance system keeps it swimming level — incredibly effective in lakes.
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Materials
Jig hook or short shank hook, size 8-12
Black 6/0
Insect pin or stiff wire for balance
Tungsten bead, 4.6mm, black or gold
Black marabou, long and flowing
Black chenille or dubbed body
Black marabou wraps
How to Tie the Balanced Leech
- 1
Step 1
Thread a tungsten bead onto an insect pin. Bend the pin at a 90-degree angle about 1cm from the bead.
- 2
Step 2
Lash the bent pin onto the top of the hook shank so the bead extends past the eye. Secure with tight thread wraps and super glue.
The bead should be positioned directly above the hook eye so the fly hangs level when suspended from the tippet attached at the bead.
- 3
Step 3
Tie in a long, flowing marabou tail at the bend — about 1.5 times the hook length.
- 4
Step 4
Tie in black chenille at the bend.
- 5
Step 5
Wrap the chenille forward to form the body. Leave room for the collar.
- 6
Step 6
Tie in another marabou plume at the collar area and make 2-3 wraps for a flowing collar.
- 7
Step 7
Tie off everything. The tippet attaches through the bead hole, not the hook eye.
Watch Tying Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJQyA2lOZ0w
Credit: Jerry McBride