Overview

The Mini Leech Jig Radiant is a version of Umpqua's original Mini Leech, built on a jig hook with a weighted radiant bead.

Leeches spend most of their time near the bottom, where they shelter, so this fly is meant to be fished there. The weighted bead gets it down quickly and adds a bit of shimmer, and the jig hook rides point up on the drift so it slides over rocks and weeds with fewer snags. It rides level in the water and responds well to vertical movements, so small lifts and drops make it swim like a real leech. It works in lakes and in rivers.

Euro Specs

• Hook: Jig hook, rides point up; described as barbless by the maker, though a barbed pack is also offered.
• Role: Both. Point fly in moderate water, or a dropper in a two-fly rig.

How to Fish It

• Lift and drop: on a tight line or under an indicator, use small vertical lifts and drops near the bottom.
• Stillwater: hang it under an indicator a foot or two off the bottom near weed edges and drop-offs.
• Rivers: fish it as the point fly through deep runs and pools, where leeches drift after high water.
• Slow strip: on a sinking line, crawl it along the bottom with short strips and pauses.

Choosing Color and Size

Olive and Rust are natural leech colors for clear water. Black / Orange and Black / Purple give a dark silhouette with a bright accent for low light and stained water, and White / Pink is a bright attractor that also suggests eggs.

Size 14 sinks faster and suits deeper water. Size 16 is better for shallow water and pressured fish.