How to Use Leeches as Fly Fishing Bait

Despite their appearance and reputation, leeches are the ideal summer bait. They thrive in warmer water and can be found almost anywhere. They also keep well in bait containers and make terrific bait for fly fishing.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Use a rag or bunched-up paper towels to pull a leech from your bait container. If neither is handy, just rub some dirt or sand on your hands for more traction. Then dig into your bait bucket.

2. Use younger leeches as bait, as they are firmer and livelier. Older leeches are easy to spot because they have rings around their noses.

3. Use a lighter hook, such as a number 6, when fishing with leeches. If the fish aren't biting, use a number 8 or number 10 hook to drag your bait to the bottom of the water.

4. Hook the leech through the nose. Don't be upset if it latches on to your finger. It won't hurt you. Just pull it off and try again. If the leech curls up on the hook, discard it and use a different one.

5. Be patient and let the fish run a bit once you get a bite.

6. Store leeches in a covered, aerated container in a cool spring or in mineral water. Make sure the holes in the lid aren't too big, or the leeches will escape.

Tips & Warnings

• Use empty coffee cans to catch leeches if your bait shop doesn't sell them. Weigh the can down with some rocks, crimp it together at the center and leave it in shallow, marshy water overnight.
• Remember that some areas do not permit the use of live bait. Always check with authorities of the state or province in which you'll be fishing.

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