LeechBalanced Leather Leech
The Balanced Leather Leech is Matt Winkler's innovative stillwater pattern featuring an Ultrasuede tail that undulates seductively in the water. The balanced jig design suspends the fly horizontally under an indicator, presenting a natural leech profile to cruising trout. The leather-like material creates a unique swimming action that sets this pattern apart from traditional marabou leeches.
Year Round
Advanced
Trout
Overview
This Fly Fisherman Magazine pattern by Matt Winkler demonstrates innovation in material selection. The Ultrasuede tail material, originally designed for fashion, creates a swimming action unlike any traditional fly tying material. The balanced design using a dressmaker's pin allows the fly to hang horizontally, mimicking a leech at rest. Winkler developed this pattern for competitive stillwater fishing where every advantage matters.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Umpqua XT500 jig hook, #10
Thread: Olive or black, 6/0 UNI-Thread
Shank: Dressmaker's pin
Bead: Tungsten bead, 1/8" (3.2mm), copper or black
Tail: Winkler's Leech Leather (Ultrasuede)
Body: Arizona Simi Seal dubbing
Fishing Tips
Season
Year-round effectiveness in stillwater with peak performance during spring and fall when trout are actively hunting leeches. The unique tail action can trigger strikes even from pressured fish.
Presentation
Fish under a sensitive strike indicator with the fly suspended at the depth where trout are cruising. Subtle indicator movements impart lifelike swimming action to the Ultrasuede tail. Dead drift with occasional twitches is most effective.
When to Use
Choose this pattern when fish are refusing traditional marabou leeches or when targeting educated fish in heavily pressured waters. The unique material and balanced presentation often produce when standard patterns fail.
Water Type
Designed specifically for stillwater fishing in lakes, reservoirs, and ponds. Most effective suspended over shoals and along drop-offs at depths of 8-20 feet.
Rigging Suggestions
Rig as a balanced leech with the dressmaker's pin extending through the bead and past the hook eye. Tie leader to the pin, not the hook eye. Fish on 12-15 foot leader with 4X-5X fluorocarbon tippet under an adjustable strike indicator.
Visibility & Floatation
The balanced design suspends the fly horizontally, presenting a more natural profile than vertical-hanging flies. The Ultrasuede tail moves with the slightest water current, creating constant subtle action. The tungsten bead provides the weight needed for balanced suspension.
