LeechJigged Mayer Mini Leech Modified
The Jigged Mayer Mini Leech Modified is Bill Morrison's white variation featuring added rubber legs for enhanced movement. Built on a 60-degree jig hook with pink tungsten bead, this pattern offers a bright, flashy option when standard dark leech patterns are refused. The white color profile excels in low-light conditions and murky water.
Year Round
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
Bill Morrison developed this white variation to provide a high-visibility option for low-light conditions and murky water. The addition of rubber legs creates extra movement and a larger visual profile without adding bulk. The pink bead serves as both an attractor hot spot and depth indicator, helping anglers track the fly's position. This modification demonstrates how classic patterns can be adapted for specific conditions.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: 60-degree jig hook, #12–#16
Thread: 70 or 140 denier, white
Bead: Tungsten bead, pink
Body: Medium holographic tinsel, silver
Tail: Micro rabbit zonker strip, white
Legs: Silli legs, white
Collar: Ostrich herl, white
Fishing Tips
Season
Year-round effectiveness with particular strength during winter and early spring when white patterns often outperform darker options. The bright color scheme works well during runoff conditions when water visibility is reduced.
Presentation
Euro nymph with tight-line techniques, allowing the legs to pulse with current variations. The jig hook design provides snag resistance in rocky water. In stillwater, use a slow strip retrieve to activate the rubber legs.
When to Use
Select this pattern for low-visibility conditions including murky water, dawn, dusk, and overcast days. Excellent choice when fish are refusing standard dark-colored leech patterns. The white profile silhouettes well against darker substrates.
Water Type
Effective in both moving water and stillwater. Particularly productive in off-color water after rain events or during spring runoff. Works well in deep pools where the bright color remains visible at depth.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on 10-12 foot leader with 4X-5X fluorocarbon tippet. The pink bead helps track the fly during drifts. Use as a point fly in two-fly rigs or fish solo when targeting larger fish. In stillwater, fish at various depths under an indicator.
Visibility & Floatation
The pink tungsten bead provides rapid sink rates while serving as a visible reference point for the angler. The white materials maintain visibility in deep and murky water where darker patterns disappear. Rubber legs provide constant movement even during pauses, expanding the fly's visual footprint.
