So what’s the first thing you tie on when you get streamside?
A nymph, a dry or maybe you tie on a streamer and run it
through some of the deeper holes. But how many times have
you tied on a size 14 marabou leach pattern and fished all
of that productive water you would have otherwise skipped
over between the bigger holes? I have found that a small
leech pattern can be one of the most productive flies when
fishing small streams. Why is this you ask? Well the answer
is simple; trout living in moving water are looking for a meal
that will satisfy the energy needed to get it. Sometimes your
size 16 Pheasant Tail or 18 Adams just doesn’t seem worth it.
However if you drift a leech pattern by they will before than
willing to come out of hiding for that big hearty meal.
The best way to fish a leach is at a dead drift under a
strike indicator. While some more traditional fisherman
will scoff at these glorified bobbers I find them useful
in keeping the fly at the level I want and also help me
see more strikes. The best way to use a strike indicator
is to take the water depth your fishing, add one or two
feet depending on current, and attach it to your leader
there. There are a number of strike indicators on the
market today but I wouljd recommend the type that is made
of yarn and an o-ring. I also tie my own indicators in green
because white and yellow have a tendency to spook wild fish.
Occasionally there is also a need to add some split shot to
your line if the water is very heavy but tying your flies
with weight usually eliminates a need for this.
Well now that you know how to set up your rig I guess I
should explain where you should cast. If you are already a
competent stream angler then just fish the leech as you would
any nymph pattern, but if you are still a novice I will share
a few hints with you that will help you, catch more fish.
The majority of my time fishing streams is usually not at
some of the larger pools but the space in between them.
You would be surprised the places trout can live and I
have seen many fishermen tromp right through them in
search of more productive looking water. The key to finding
holding lies is to find where fast and slow water come
together and to find cover. Trout will hold in the
slower water, dart out for a brief second to catch their
prey, then go back to the slower water and wait for their
next meal. Small stream trout also need cover like
overhanging trees, rocks, and cut banks. These trout can
rarely find cover in water depth and the ability to hide
from predators is what keeps them alive.
The best place to find trout is behind rocks in faster water
because it creates a water break behind the rock for the trout
to rest and it can provide cover. The best way to fish these
is to cast above the rock and let your fly drift down past
and into the seam between the fast and slow water.
If the stream you are fishing has areas in it with a solid
rock bottom finding large cracks in it will frequently mean
finding trout. I still remember a recent trip I took to a
stream that had many sections like this. As I was making my
way up stream I saw a hole in the rock bottom that was probably
no more than two feet long and eight inches wide. After I cast,
the fly couldn’t have been in the water more than four seconds
when my strike indicator went under. I set the hook and landed
a nice twelve inch stream-bred brown. It’s fish like that that
make the two hour drive worth it.
I think I’m reminiscing a little too much here and I will
try get back to the matter at hand. You will commonly find
trout near undercut banks. Trout love to stay there because
it provides an excellent shield against predators and they
never have to move very far for food. When I see undercut
banks I cast as close as I can to them and let the fly just
drift down. However casting so close to the bank will
sometimes get you nothing more than a few lost flies but
more often than not you will get a nice fish. Besides I
am always more than happy to lose a couple flies if it
means the chance at a great fish and losing a half dozen
flies a day is generally just par for the course.
Well now that you know a little more about fishing leech
patterns in small streams tie a couple up and go give it
a try. But remember catching fish isn’t what always makes
for a good day fishing. Sometimes it’s just the scenery or
the time spent making new fishing buddies that will make
a trip all worth while. Until we meet again good luck and
tight lines.
Marabou Leech
The Marabou Leech is by far one of the most effective
leech patterns I have ever used while fishing small streams.
The marabou allows the fly to breath and looks incredibly
realistic which makes it irresistible to trout. Because
it’s such a great pattern I’ve included the recipe and
tying instructions for those of you not already familiar
with it.
Hook: 10-14 Streamer Hook
Thread: Black 6/0
Tail: Black Marabou
Body: Black Dubbing
Wings: Black Marabou
Tying Steps
-
Tie on and add weight as needed for the types
of streams you fish. (Check your regional laws on weight/or lead.)
If you fish slow meadow streams than only a little weight
is necessary but if you fish tumbling mountains streams
than more wraps will be required. -
Strip a sizeable amount of marabou from a feather.
Measure it the length of the hook shank and tie it in
at the end of the hook. -
Clip any excess butts and dub black fur up to mid-shank.
-
Take a strip of marabou equal to that of the tail and
tie it in mid-shank. -
Dub until you reach a little before the eye and tie in
another clump of marabou the same size as before. Refer to
the picture if you are unsure of proportions. -
Dub the head of the fly, whip finish, and use head cement
as desired.
Tying Notes
I typically fish this pattern in black but also carry several
others colors with me. You should try a multitude of colors and
see which works best in you area. ~ Jason
About the Author
Although Jason has been an angler all his life it was just
four years ago he taught himself to fly fish. Ever since
catching that first fish on a fly rod Jason has been hooked
and spends much of his time in pursuit of Arizona’s
many angling opportunities. Jason just started college this
fall and has landed himself a job working in the fishing
department of a major outdoor store. Being a dedicated
outdoorsman in the age of computer games and television,
Jason is a prime example that there are still young people
out there who love to fish. ~ Jason
Originally published October 31st, 2005 on Fly Anglers Online by Jason Cotta.