The felted leech is undoubtedly one of the most simplistic streamers commonly used by fly fishermen. The leech is a common critter to most bodies of water, and has been used by fishermen for many years as a productive means of catching fish. In countries like New Zealand, this felted pattern, that mimics the leech, is a personal favorite when fishing for native trout, and steelhead.

The composition of the patter aids very much in the productivity of the fly, mostly due to its wire head, and its lengthy body. The copper wire head not only attracts attention to the pattern, but it also weighs the head of the leech down, as to keep the pattern close to the bottom of the riverbed, where leeches are often found. Because of this, the movement of the fly is limited to that of the desire of the fisherman, and therefore can appear to be more realistic that if it were to freely drift at any depths. Although the wire helps to make this pattern look realistic, it would be a futile attempt is not coupled with the felted body.

When submerged in water, the felt that makes up the body absorbs substantial amounts of water, making it appear to be slimy and yet flexible; much like the gelatin substance that makes up the real bodies of leaches.

The heavy copper head also allows the leech to cast using most methods of casting due to the fact that it will sink adequately regardless of the cast chosen. Although this is true, the weight of the streamer may make it hard to be back-cast efficiently if used on a light rod such as a seven weight, or anything lighter. It is suggested that if a fisherman desires to back-cast such a heavy streamer, that they do so using an eight, or nine weight rod. The leech, although considered a streamer by many, is fished like a large nymph, using either the ‘dead drift,’ or the ‘tight line’ method.

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