Fly Tying Inventory
Micro Leech
A small, sparse leech pattern that imitates the juvenile leeches commonly found in productive stillwaters. The simple construction of twisted marabou on a small curved hook produces incredible movement in the water. Fish under an indicator or with a painfully slow hand-twist retrieve over weed beds and shoals.
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Materials
Size 10-16 curved hook (Daiichi 1120 or similar), heavy wire
7/64" (2.7mm) brass or tungsten, black, gold, or copper (optional)
8/0 or 70 denier, black
Black marabou, sparse clump, about 1.5x hook length
Crystal Flash or Flashabou, 1-2 strands, red or pearl (optional)
Marabou twisted into rope, or Arizona Simi Seal / SLF dubbing, black
Ostrich herl or sparse marabou (optional)
How to Tie the Micro Leech
- 1
Step 1
Slide the bead onto the hook (if using) and place in vise.
- 2
Step 2
Start thread just behind the bead and wrap back to the bend.
- 3
Step 3
Select a thin clump of marabou, about 1.5x hook length. Tie in at the bend. Add 1-2 strands of flash to each side if desired.
Keep the tail sparse – less is more for micro leeches.
- 4
Step 4
Use the remaining butt end of marabou and twist it into a rope with the thread.
- 5
Step 5
Wrap the twisted marabou rope up toward the bead to create an even, buggy body.
Alternatively, dub the body with Simi Seal for a spikier profile.
- 6
Step 6
Optionally add a sparse collar of marabou or ostrich herl behind the bead for extra movement.
- 7
Step 7
Form a small head, whip finish, and trim thread. Apply head cement or UV resin.
Watch Tying Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4dX_4sWRJk
Credit: Phil Rowley / Fly Fish Food