LeechFritz Leech
The Fritz Leech is a simple stillwater pattern that combines the sparkle of fritz chenille with the movement of marabou. Developed for UK stillwater fishing, this pattern creates an irresistible combination of flash and motion that triggers aggressive strikes. The weighted head gets the fly into the zone quickly while the marabou tail pulses enticingly.
Year Round
Beginner
Trout
Overview
Fritz is a UK term for a sparkling chenille material with embedded flashy fibers, similar to Crystal Chenille in the US. This pattern originated in British stillwater fisheries where it remains a staple for targeting rainbow trout. The pattern's effectiveness lies in its simplicity - the flash of the fritz body combined with the undulating marabou tail creates an irresistible combination. Tied in black, olive, and claret variations.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Wet fly hook or short shank streamer, #8–#12
Thread: 6/0 or 140 denier, black
Bead: Tungsten or brass bead, 3.0–4.0mm, black or copper (optional)
Tail: Black marabou
Body: Fritz chenille (micro fritz), black
Head: Thread or bead
Fishing Tips
Season
Year-round effectiveness in stillwater environments. Particularly productive during spring and fall when trout are actively feeding. In winter, slow the retrieve and fish deeper. Summer fishing is best during early morning and evening.
Presentation
Use a steady figure-eight retrieve or slow strips with pauses. The fritz body creates flash on the move while the marabou tail pulses on the pause. Experiment with retrieve speed until you find what the fish prefer on any given day.
When to Use
Excellent choice when fishing colored or choppy water where the flash helps fish locate the fly. Also effective in clear water during low-light conditions. Works well as a searching pattern when targeting cruising fish in stillwater.
Water Type
Designed specifically for stillwater including lakes, reservoirs, and large ponds. Can be adapted for slow-moving river sections and backwaters. Most effective at depths of 4-10 feet where the flash is visible without excessive light penetration.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on 9-12 foot leader with 4X-5X fluorocarbon tippet. Effective on floating, intermediate, and sinking lines depending on target depth. Works well as part of a two or three-fly team, often fished on the point with smaller patterns on droppers.
Visibility & Floatation
Sink rate depends on bead weight - faster with tungsten, slower without bead. The fritz chenille creates constant sparkle throughout the retrieve, increasing visibility in murky water. The marabou tail provides movement even during pauses.
