Are leeches common in the Pawcatuck River? I've been paddling it since 1999 and yesterday was the first time I've seen one. We stopped at the sandy beach at the Burlingame Canoe Campsites for a swim. After the swim, a friend spotted a leech that was 6" long when it was fully expanded - it was hanging out near shore and kept going under the boats. I'm hoping the answer is that someone probably lost their bait while fishing.