Brushed Leech
I have recently watched two television shows showcasing Brian Chan fishing BC lakes (Hatheume & Heffley). In both episodes he was fishing in the Fall and utilized the Brush Leech pattern. What was novel, to me, was that he used a slip strike indicator above a Leech pattern. Chan cast the rig out and let it wind drift, much like he has advocated wind drifting chironomid patterns. I am not sure why I have never considered doing this. Not sure I have ever noticed anyone doing it either or I would have probably tried it at sometime. I don’t know if I want to use a slipping strike indicator because of the casting, Chan just lobbed it out there in an open loop and watched for the indicator to move and did a quick strip set. The indicator slid down the leader to the fly. This is apparently a well known rig in BC, with indicators marketed by Rowley and Chan. The Leech was used as one of a few food options in the Fall.
The other technique I read about is similar. A leech below the strike indicator. The Leech is adjusted so that it reaches below the algae bloom and is manipulated either by wave action or retrieve to enticingly undulate in view below the bloom. Both of these techniques are similar to chironomid fishing except with some form of Leech. I think a weighted pattern, but not overly weighted, would sink to the desired depths. A bead head or evenly wrapped/weighted shank would break the surface. The wind drifted method is more of a horizontal/diagonal presentation and the beneath the algae bloom presentation is vertical, ala chironomids.
Passing this on to those, like me, that had not previously recognized the technique.
