LeechMicro Egg Sucking Leech
The Micro Egg Sucking Leech is Tim Flagler's downsized take on the classic egg sucking leech pattern, designed for pressured fish and technical waters. Featured in Fly Tyer Magazine, this pattern combines elements from Landon Mayer's Mini Leech, Pat's Rubber Legs, basic egg patterns, and Frenchie designs into a compact, fish-catching fly. The fluorescent orange bead and collar create a highly visible hot spot while the Ultra Dry Yarn body provides subtle movement and translucency.
Fall, Winter, Spring
Intermediate
Trout, Steelhead
Overview
This tightlinevideo pattern by Tim Flagler demonstrates how classic patterns can be reimagined in micro sizes for pressured fish. The Ultra Dry Yarn provides translucency and slight buoyancy while creating the variegated coffee-and-black appearance characteristic of egg sucking patterns. The fluorescent orange components serve as attractor points that can trigger strikes from fish conditioned to feed on eggs. The jig hook design allows the fly to ride point-up for reduced snags.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Fulling Mill 5125 Jig Force Short, black nickel, #18
Thread: UTC 70 Denier, fluorescent fire orange
Bead: Slotted tungsten bead, 3/32", fluorescent orange
Tail: Fulling Mill Ultra Dry Yarn, black and brown dun
Body: Fulling Mill Ultra Dry Yarn, black and brown dun
Collar: Fulling Mill Tactical Microflash Dub UV, hot orange
Cement: Sally Hansen Hard as Nails
Fishing Tips
Season
Most effective during fall, winter, and spring when trout and steelhead are actively feeding on eggs or egg-associated prey. Particularly productive during and after salmon and steelhead spawning runs.
Presentation
Fish using euro nymphing techniques or traditional indicator rigs. The compact size allows for precise presentations in technical water where fish have time to inspect offerings. Dead drift through likely holding water, bouncing the fly along the bottom.
When to Use
Select this pattern during spawning seasons or when fish are responding to egg patterns. The micro size excels on pressured waters where standard egg sucking leeches are refused.
Water Type
Designed primarily for moving water including rivers and streams. Most effective in runs, tailouts, and soft water adjacent to spawning gravels where trout hold waiting to intercept drifting eggs.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on euro nymphing rig or 9-12 foot leader with 5X-6X fluorocarbon tippet. The small tungsten bead provides adequate weight for maintaining contact with the bottom. Works well as point fly with smaller nymphs as droppers.
Visibility & Floatation
The fluorescent orange bead and collar provide high visibility attractor points while the variegated Ultra Dry Yarn body creates a natural profile. The jig hook design and tungsten bead provide rapid sink rates for reaching fish holding near the bottom.
