LeechMini Leech Jig Radiant
The Mini Leech Jig Radiant is an Umpqua signature variant of Landon Mayer's Mini Leech featuring UV-enhanced materials for increased visibility in deep or murky water. The jig hook design reduces snags while the radiant dubbing collar creates an attractive glow under varied lighting conditions.
Year Round
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
This Umpqua Feather Merchants signature pattern was developed in collaboration with Landon Mayer to add UV-enhanced materials to his original Mini Leech design. The radiant dubbing collar incorporates UV-reflective fibers that remain visible in low-light conditions and deep water. The purple color variant has proven particularly effective, possibly due to its contrast against natural backgrounds.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Jig hook, 60-degree, #12–#16
Thread: 70 denier, purple or black
Bead: Slotted tungsten bead, 3.0–3.5mm, copper or black nickel
Body: Holographic tinsel, purple or silver
Tail/Wing: Pine squirrel zonker strip, purple or black
Collar: UV radiant dubbing, purple
Head: Thread, built up behind bead
Fishing Tips
Season
Effective year-round with peak performance during low-light periods in any season. The UV materials make this an excellent choice for dawn, dusk, and overcast conditions when standard patterns may be less visible.
Presentation
Euro nymph with tight-line techniques in moving water, maintaining constant contact with the fly. In stillwater, use a slow retrieve with 2-second pauses to let the UV dubbing catch available light. The jigging action of the hook adds movement on the sink.
When to Use
Select this pattern for deep, dark water or low-visibility conditions where standard Mini Leech patterns may go unnoticed. Excellent for off-color water after rain events or in heavily tannin-stained waters. Also effective in clear water during low-light periods.
Water Type
Versatile across moving and still waters. Particularly effective in deeper pools, reservoirs, and any water with reduced visibility. The UV materials help the fly stand out in tailwater situations below dams where light penetration is limited.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on 10-12 foot leader with 4X-5X fluorocarbon tippet. Works well as a point fly in euro rigs or under an indicator in deeper water. In stillwater, fish on an intermediate sink line to maintain contact through the retrieve.
Visibility & Floatation
The tungsten bead provides fast sink rates while the UV dubbing maintains visibility as the fly descends. The radiant collar catches and reflects available UV light, making the fly visible to fish even in conditions where human eyesight struggles. Point-up hook orientation presents a natural profile.
