Welcome back to Tying Tuesday! This week, we’re thrilled to have Travis Hanson joining us in the studio to showcase his exceptional balanced leech pattern! This fly is a true game-changer underwater, thanks to its tantalizing crystal flash that captures and reflects light, making it an irresistible treat for fish.
Balanced leech fly fishing is a technique used by fly anglers to imitate the natural movement of leeches in water. Leeches are a common food source for fish in many freshwater environments, so imitating their movement can be very effective for catching fish like trout, bass, and panfish.
The “balanced” part of the term refers to the way the fly is tied. Typically, a balanced leech fly consists of a weighted or bead head on one end and a buoyant or neutrally buoyant material on the other end. This construction allows the fly to hang horizontally in the water, mimicking the natural posture of a swimming leech.
Here’s a basic overview of how to fish with a balanced leech fly:
- Rigging: Use a floating line or a sinking line depending on the depth of the water and the behavior of the fish. Attach a leader to your line, and then tie on the balanced leech fly using a standard fishing knot.
- Presentation: Cast the fly out into the water and let it sink to the desired depth. Since leeches often move slowly and erratically, you can impart movement to the fly by twitching your rod tip or by using a slow, steady retrieve.
- Depth Control: Adjust the depth of your fly to match where the fish are holding. If you’re not getting any bites, try fishing at different depths until you find the fish.
- Observation: Keep an eye on your line for any subtle movements or twitches, which could indicate a strike. Since the fly is neutrally buoyant, strikes might not always be obvious, so stay alert.
- Experimentation: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and sizes of balanced leech flies until you find what works best in your fishing area.
Remember, success in fly fishing often depends on understanding the behavior of the fish and the conditions of the water you’re fishing in. Pay attention to factors like water temperature, time of day, and the presence of natural food sources to increase your chances of success.
Ingredients & Recipe
- Hook: Ahrex, FW554 CZ Mini Jig, Size 16
- Bead: Fulling Mill Tungsten Drop Bead, size 1/8 in Orange
- Thread: Semperfli Nano Silk 50D, Black
- Tail: Wapsi Rabbit Zonkers, Black
- Flash: Hareline Krystal Flash, Pearl Red, Copper, Pear
- Flash Back: Hedron, Magnum Flashabou – Holographic Red
- Dubbing: Hareline Fly Fish Foods Bruiser Blend, Midnight Fire
Check out some of our Shop’s Favorite tools:
- Vise – Dynaking Barracuda Deluxe Pedestal Vise
- Scissors – Kopter ABSOLUTE Blade Micro Serrated Edge Thin Point
- Bodkin – Dr. Slick Jumbo Carbon Fiber Bodkin
- Whip Finisher – Tiemco Midge Whip Finisher
- Tool Kit – Umpqua Dream Stream Plus 7 Piece Fly Tying Tool Kit
