Balanced Leech
Imitates: Leech, dragonfly nymph, bloodworm, suspended stillwater forage
Quick Reference
- Best Sizes
- #8-12
- Best Season
- Year-round (best spring and fall)
- Best Conditions
- Lakes, chironomid rigs, indicators, deep shoals, suspended fish
- Water Temp
- 42-65°F
- Recommended Tippet
- 3X-4X fluorocarbon
How to Rig It
Suspend under an indicator with the fly hanging perfectly horizontal above the bottom or weed tops. Often fished as the point fly under a chironomid.
How to Present It
Mostly static. Tiny twitches or wave action are enough. The key is the perfectly level, natural hang in the water column.
Why It Works
The bead is mounted forward on a pin so the fly hangs horizontal instead of nose-down. That posture looks much more alive than a normal leech under an indicator, and stillwater trout inspect suspended flies carefully. Horizontal wins.
History
Balanced flies became a revolution in Western and Canadian stillwater fishing when anglers discovered that chironomid-style suspensions were more effective if the leech hung naturally instead of drooping below the indicator.
Pro Tip
Fish it 6-18 inches off the bottom or just above weed tops. Too high and it looks unnatural; too low and it disappears into the junk. The whole magic is the level suspension in the strike zone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Balanced Leech?+
A leech fly tied with the bead mounted forward on a pin so it hangs perfectly horizontal under an indicator — a major advantage in stillwater fishing.
How do you fish a Balanced Leech?+
Under an indicator, mostly motionless, just above the bottom or weed tops. Let the fly hang level and alive-looking in the water column.
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