Overview

The Goat Leech from Umpqua is a lake leech pattern that has been proven in many reservoirs for both trout and bass. Leeches live in almost every lake and pond, and they are a large, protein-rich meal that fish eat all season.

Goat hair is what makes this fly work. It is long, soft and flowing, so the fly undulates on even a slow retrieve, the way a real leech swims with a rippling motion. Leeches move slowly, which is why a fly that looks alive at a crawl outfishes one that only moves when you strip it fast.

How to Fish It

• Slow retrieve: long, slow strips are often best. Let the goat hair do the work.
• Crawl the bottom: on a sinking or intermediate line, count it down and crawl it along the lake bottom near weed beds and drop-offs.
• Under an indicator: suspend it just off the bottom and let the wind and small waves give it motion.
• Bass: work it slowly around docks, weed edges and submerged wood.

Choosing Color and Size

Black Red gives a strong, dark silhouette with a red trigger and is a good choice in low light or stained water. Brown and Olive match the natural colors of most lake leeches, so use them in clear water and on bright days. All three come in size 10.