LeechMicro Silly Leech
The Micro Silly Leech is a downsized version of the popular Woolly Bugger-style leech pattern, designed for finesse presentations when fish are selective. Built on a mini jig hook with a matte black tungsten bead, this compact pattern delivers excellent movement from the rabbit strip body while maintaining the weight needed to reach fish holding in deeper water. The lead-free wire underbody adds subtle weight distribution for a natural swimming action.
Year Round
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
This Fly Fish Food pattern demonstrates how scaling down proven leech patterns can unlock success on pressured waters. The mini jig hook rides point-up to reduce snags while the matte black bead provides weight without excessive flash. The rabbit strip creates undulating movement that triggers strikes from wary trout. Senyo's Laser Hair Dubbing adds subtle sparkle and fills gaps for a clean finished profile.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: AHREX FW550 Mini Jig, #8
Thread: Veevus 6/0, black
Bead: Slotted tungsten bead, 3.8mm, matte black
Weight: Lead free wire, 0.020"
Body/Tail: Rabbit strips, black
Dubbing: Senyo's Laser Hair Dubbing, black
Fishing Tips
Season
Year-round effectiveness in both moving water and stillwater. The compact profile excels during periods of heavy fishing pressure when trout become selective and refuse larger offerings.
Presentation
Dead drift through likely holding water in rivers, or use a slow strip retrieve in stillwater. The rabbit strip creates lifelike movement even at rest. Allow the fly to sink to the desired depth before beginning retrieval.
When to Use
Select this pattern when fish are refusing standard-sized leech patterns or when fishing clear, pressured waters. Excellent choice when trout are keying on smaller prey items or displaying selective behavior.
Water Type
Versatile pattern effective in rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds. In moving water, fish through deep runs and pool tailouts. In stillwater, work along weed edges, drop-offs, and structure at depths of 6-15 feet.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on 9-12 foot leader with 4X-5X fluorocarbon tippet. The tungsten bead provides adequate weight for most presentations without additional split shot. Can be fished as point fly or dropper in a multi-fly rig.
Visibility & Floatation
The 3.8mm tungsten bead provides rapid sink rates for reaching trout holding zones quickly. The matte black finish reduces flash for a more natural presentation. The black rabbit strip and dubbing create a distinctive silhouette visible to fish from below.
