Balanced Leech Black

The Balanced Leech Black is designed to imitate a swimming leech—a key food source for trout in stillwaters and slow-moving rivers. By positioning the hook shank horizontally with a weighted pin or bead at the front, the fly hangs in the water in a natural, level posture rather than nose-down like traditional patterns. Its black coloration mimics the dark, undulating silhouette of real leeches, especially when they swim with their distinctive pulsing motion. When twitched, paused, or slowly retrieved, the Balanced Leech Black convincingly recreates the fluid movement of a live leech, making it especially effective around weed beds, drop-offs, and structure.

History of the Pattern
The Balanced Leech concept was popularized by innovative stillwater anglers in the Pacific Northwest, particularly Washington angler Phil Rowley and fellow lake specialists seeking a more lifelike presentation under an indicator. Traditional leech patterns tended to hang unnaturally, reducing effectiveness when suspended. The solution was a clever design: extend a bead or weight beyond the hook eye using a pin, shifting the center of gravity so the fly sits perfectly horizontal. This innovation transformed indicator fishing for trout, and the black version quickly became a staple due to its versatility, visibility, and consistent success in a wide range of water conditions. Today, the Balanced Leech Black is considered a must-have pattern for serious stillwater anglers.