Fly Tying Hans' Bootstrap Leech

In this video I teach you how to tie my Umpqua Signature pattern, the Bootstrap Leech.

This fly has proven to be deadly for me in both stillwater and rivers alike.

My thought process behind designing this fly was to create a leech pattern that was heavy enough to act as an anchor fly and had a flat end as well as a tapered pointy end.

The only material for this fly is Hareline's Leech Leather strips. I tie it in 4 colors: Black, Brown, Peacock and Wine. Match the bead and thread color to the color of leech leather you are using. (For wine, use a red bead and red thread)

For a hook I use an Umpqua XT500 in sizes 10, 12 and 14.

The size 10 get's a 3.3mm slotted tungsten bead.

The size 12 get's a 2.8mm slotted tungsten bead.

The size 14 get's a 2.3mm slotted tungsten bead.

Each size is going to use .020 lead for additional weight and to broaden the hook shank. The #10 get's 14 wraps, the #12 get's 12 wraps and the #14 get's 10 wraps. Each fly will also get a stick of the same sized lead on each side of the lead wraps. You'll have to watch the video to see what I mean.

Post in the comments if you have any questions.

Thanks,
Hans