Overview

The Balanced Bou Leech was designed by Svend Diesel for Montana Fly Company. It is a mostly marabou leech built on a balanced platform, so it hangs level in the water instead of tipping nose-down.

Marabou is the softest, most mobile material a tyer can use, and on a balanced fly it reacts to every tiny bit of wave action or the smallest twitch of the line. That steady, level pulsing looks like a slowly swimming leech, which is exactly what cruising lake trout expect. The colors are chosen for stillwater, with mottled and flashy blends that stand out without looking unnatural.

Euro Specs

• Hook: Balanced-style hook.
• Role: Stillwater indicator fly; point fly below a chironomid.

How to Fish It

• Under an indicator: hang it a foot or two above the bottom and let the chop do the work. Small twitches every few seconds can trigger a take.
• Slow retrieve: fish it on a floating or intermediate line with a slow hand-twist; the level posture keeps it swimming naturally.
• Two-fly rig: run a chironomid above it to cover both leeches and midges.
• Cruising fish: place it along shoal edges and weed lines where trout patrol.

Choosing Color and Size

Olive is the natural choice for clear water and weed beds. Bruised is a dark purple and blue blend that shows well in low light and stained water. Captain America is a flashier, high-contrast option for days when fish need extra attraction.

All colors are size 14, a compact leech that suits wary trout.