Overview
This BCFlyguys pattern showcases a custom dubbing blend that makes all the difference. The key is mixing Arizona Synthetic Dubbing in black and blue with a highlight of purple Ice Dub. The body is tied using a pre-made wire dubbing brush for durability - flies tied this way last much longer than traditional dubbed bodies. The tungsten half beads in blue and purple were inspired by new colors from Canadian Llama and give the fly a unique look while helping it sink quickly. Alternatively, black nickel or gunmetal beads work well.
Related patterns
Behavior & presentation
- Natural Behavior
- Small leeches navigate through vegetation with subtle undulations, their compact bodies creating miniature pulses. These smaller specimens often drift in mid-column, vulnerable as they search for feeding opportunities.
- Where Trout Eat It
- Trout feed on this compact #12 micro leech along shallow shoal edges and over drop-offs in BC lakes where the wire brush dubbing body sinks to cruising depth in zones less than 10 feet. The custom Arizona Synthetic/purple Ice Dub blend creates movement fish recognize.
- How to Fish It
- Fish under indicator or on intermediate line with slow 1-3 inch pulls and 2-5 second pauses, keeping fly within 6 inches of bottom over shoals. More effective fished slowly than larger leeches due to compact profile that works in clear water.
- Best Water
- Effective over shallow shoals at Roche and Tunkwa Lakes where trout cruise feeding on small invertebrates. Fish weed edges and the shoal/drop-off transition zone where micro leeches move between structure and the small size works on pressured fish.
- Strike Type
- Firm taps through the line signal interest—maintain tension and strip-set when weight becomes solid.
Fishing strategy
- Rigging Suggestions
- Fish on 12-15 foot leader with 5X-6X fluorocarbon tippet under a sensitive strike indicator. The tungsten bead provides adequate weight for proper presentation at various depths.
- Seasonal Timing
- effectiveness in lake environments. A proven pattern that has been producing fish for years.
- Pro Tips
- The custom dubbing blend creates a buggy profile with excellent movement. After tying, brush out the dubbing with a dubbing brush to give it a straggly look.
Entomology
Small leeches navigate through aquatic vegetation with subtle undulating movements, their compact bodies creating miniature pulses as they search for feeding opportunities. These smaller specimens often drift in the water column, making them vulnerable to opportunistic feeders. Trout target micro leeches because they're bite-sized protein sources that can be consumed rapidly and in quantity, allowing fish to feed efficiently on multiple individuals during active feeding periods.
- Organism
- leech
- Life stage
- general
Pattern details
- Stillwater
- British Columbia
- active-retrieve
- strip-retrieve
- classic