Tactical Fly Fisher European-Nymphing Leaders

Each angler has their own preference for European-nymphing leaders based on the water they fish and their individual style.  The formulas of these leaders are based on my own trial and error combined with what I have learned from my Fly Fishing Team USA mates and other international anglers. To help you pick which leader suits you best here are my recommendations.

Thin leader:This leader has a 20 lb butt and 0.012″ diameter Cortland sighter. It is best for upstream tuck casting presentations, heavy flies, or for beginning anglers if you have never Euro-nymphed before as it is the easiest to cast of the three formulas. I also use it for light dry-dropper rigs and for heavy three nymph rigs for steelhead. It sags more than the other formulas with light flies at a long distance.

Thinner leader: This leader has a 15 lb butt and 0.012″ diameter Cortland sighter. It is an all around Euro-nymphing leader. I use it for both up and across the current presentations. It sags more than the Thinnest leader at distance but less than the Thin Leader.

Thinnest Leader: This leader has a 12 lb butt section and 0.012″ diameter Cortland sighter. This leader has less sag due to its thinner butt section. Therefore it is very good for achieving dead drifts with across current presentations. However, it does not transfer energy as well as the thicker formulas so it does not cast as easily, especially with a dry dropper or in windy conditions.