LeechMicro Midnight Fire Balanced Leech
The Micro Midnight Fire Balanced Leech is a scaled-down version of the popular Midnight Fire pattern, designed for pressured fish and clear water conditions. Built on a mini jig hook with balanced pin construction, this compact leech suspends horizontally under an indicator, presenting a natural profile to wary trout. The midnight fire Ice Dub body creates a subtle dark-to-bright color gradient that mimics natural leeches.
Year Round
Advanced
Trout
Overview
This Fly Fish Food pattern by Curtis Fry demonstrates how downsizing proven stillwater patterns can unlock success on pressured waters. The orange tungsten bead serves as a visible hot spot while the midnight fire dubbing transitions from dark to fiery highlights. The balanced construction using a dressmaker's pin allows the fly to hang horizontally, presenting a more natural profile than vertically hanging flies. Size down when fish are refusing larger balanced leeches.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Ahrex mini jig barbless, #12
Thread: Semperfli Classic Waxed 12/0, black (or Aught)
Bead: Tungsten bead, 1/8", orange
Pin: Dressmaker's pin, 20 gauge
Tail: Marabou, black
Body: Hairline Ice Dub, midnight fire
Fishing Tips
Season
Year-round stillwater effectiveness with particular strength during periods of heavy fishing pressure when trout become selective. The smaller profile excels when fish are keying on smaller prey items.
Presentation
Fish under a sensitive strike indicator set to the exact depth where fish are holding. The balanced design keeps the fly horizontal, mimicking a small leech at rest. Subtle indicator movements create lifelike action without spooking wary fish.
When to Use
Select this pattern when fish are refusing standard-sized balanced leeches or when fishing clear, pressured waters. The compact profile allows confident takes from educated fish that have time to inspect offerings.
Water Type
Designed specifically for stillwater fishing in lakes, reservoirs, and ponds. Most effective suspended over shoals and along weed edges at depths of 8-20 feet where trout cruise for small prey.
Rigging Suggestions
Rig as a balanced leech with the dressmaker's pin extending through the bead past the hook eye. Tie leader to the pin, not the hook eye. Fish on 12-15 foot leader with 5X-6X fluorocarbon tippet under a sensitive strike indicator.
Visibility & Floatation
The orange tungsten bead provides rapid sink rates while serving as a visible hot spot and indicator of the fly's position. The midnight fire dubbing creates subtle flash and a dark-to-bright color gradient visible to fish from below. The balanced horizontal presentation maximizes the fly's profile.
