LeechMirage Micro Leech (M & M Leech)
The Mirage Micro Leech (M & M Leech) designed by Phil Rowley is an effective stillwater pattern that combines the flash of Mirage Opal Mylar with the subtle movement of schlappen marabou and ostrich herl. This pattern creates a translucent, flashy profile that mimics small leeches and triggers strikes from cruising trout in lakes and ponds.
Year Round
Intermediate
Trout
Dec 2025
Overview
This Phil Rowley pattern showcases the effectiveness of combining flash materials with natural movement. The Mirage Opal Mylar body creates iridescent flash while the schlappen marabou tail and ostrich hackle provide lifelike undulation. The red Crystal Flash accents add subtle attraction without overwhelming the natural profile.
Materials
Hook: Daiichi 1120, #10-12
Thread: MFC 8/0, black
Bead: Brass or tungsten, 7/64" (2.7mm), gold
Tail: Schlappen marabou, black, mixed with two strands of Crystal Flash, red
Body: Mirage Opal Mylar, medium
Rib: Crystal Flash, red
Hackle: Ostrich, black
Head: Solarez Bone Dry UV resin (optional)
Behavior & Presentation
Natural Behavior: Tiny leeches swim with subtle undulating motions near bottom structure, their small size making them appear as easy, low-risk meals. They pulse rhythmically while resting, creating just enough movement to attract attention.
Where Trout Eat It: Near bottom structure in lakes and slow pools, occasionally mid-column during swimming phases.
How to Fish It: Slow retrieves with extended pauses, allowing the small profile to pulse naturally during stops.
Best Water: Target weed edges where small leeches are abundant, shoals with varied substrate, and drop-offs that provide depth transitions.
Strike Type: Firm takes as fish strike confidently at the small, vulnerable profile that requires minimal energy to consume.
Fishing Strategy
Rigging Suggestions: Fish on 12-15 foot leader with 5X-6X fluorocarbon tippet under a sensitive strike indicator. The bead provides adequate weight for proper presentation at various depths.
Seasonal Timing: effectiveness in lake environments. Particularly effective during periods when trout are actively feeding on small leeches.
Pro Tips: The Mirage Opal Mylar creates iridescent flash visible to fish at distance. The ostrich hackle collar adds subtle movement and helps slow the sink rate slightly for a more natural descent.
Entomology
Small leeches exhibit quick, panicked swimming when exposed in open water, their translucent bodies catching light as they attempt to reach cover. Fish exploit these vulnerable moments because smaller leeches lack the defensive mucus coating of adults, making them more palatable and easier to digest.
- Organism Type
- leech
- Life Stage
- general