PGH Bleeding Leech

Developed by Kurt Shaffer of PGH Fly Co in 2020, the bleeding leech is a weighted zonker streamer with UV ice dub acting as blood leaking out. Weighted with a bead and lead wrap, the fly is best used lightly stripped while being drifted. An effective pattern for Steelhead, trout, smallmouth and largemouth bass.

When fishing the Bleeding Leech, allow it to sink to the desired depth and then employ a series of short, sharp twitches to mimic the erratic movement of an injured leech. This action can trigger aggressive strikes from predatory fish. In fast-moving waters, consider using a weighted version to ensure the fly reaches the optimal depth quickly. Additionally, experimenting with different retrieval speeds and patterns can help determine the most effective presentation for the specific conditions and target species.