Fly-fishing Rules Of Thumb for Leader Length and Tippet Sizes

Posted on May 30, 2009
Filed Under Trout Fishing | Leave a Comment

by Tom Loder

Using the correct tapered leader length and tippet size for the type of fishing you are about to do is critical to catching and landing fish. An undersized tippet can result in the angler breaking off their fish or an oversized tippet may result in a poor presentation and spooky fish. Here are some outlined rules of thumb for selection of leader lengths and sizes of tippets. These rules will give you the basic information needed to determine proper choice of leader lengths and tippet sizes.

By definition a rule of thumb when it applies to fly-fishing means; having wide application but not intended to be strictly reliable in every situation. Accordingly here are some rules of thumb.

Rule of thumb on selecting leader length and tippet size is to use the strongest test leader you can for the size of fish you are pursuing, in conjunction with the smallest diameter size tippet adjusted to fishing conditions of wind, water and fly size so your fly presentation will be natural and not spook the fish.

When fishing clear water with also the possibility shallow water where fish are holding use as long a leader as you can properly cast. In windy conditions or on small streams where fish will be holding closer use a shorter leader for better turnover and presentation of the fly.

The following conditions can be a guide in leader length selection:

A 6 foot leader for trout is used on very small brushy streams or with sinking fly lines.

A 7.5 foot leader for trout is used on creeks that are less than 20 feet wide and in lakes when using intermediate or sink tip lines and when fish are not overly spooky.

A 9 foot leader for trout is used on rivers that are wider than 20 feet where the water flow is mostly riffled and where the fish are not overly spooky.

A 12 foot leader for trout in streams with flies smaller than size 16 when the water is very clear, depths are low and water is flat without riffles. This length is also suggested for trout in lakes when using floating lines.

A 15 foot leader length for weary trout in very clear water including spring creeks, lakes and streams.

Rule of Thumb for selecting which size X tippet to use is dependent on the size of fish you are going after and the size of fly you want to use.

A tippet is given an X number which is determined by its diameter in thousandths such as 1X, 2X, and 3X etc. The X diameter can be determined quickly by taking the number 11 minus X equals the diameter in thousands. As an example for a 6 X tippet it would be 11- 6 = 5 and equates to a 6X tippet which is .005 thousands in diameter.

Rule of Thumb most tippet sizes will support three to four fly sizes before they affect leader turnover and a lifelike presentation

Simply divide the hook size you are using by 3 or 4 . For example a size 12 fly divided by 3 equals a 4 X size tippet or a size 12 fly divided by 4 would equate to a 3X tippet. Now let the conditions of wind, water and size of fish dictate which leader length and tippet size you choose. If you have chosen to light of a tippet you may experience poor turnover of the leader, or the fly will spin and the leader will twist, fly’s may break off while casting or hooking and trying to land the fish. These are indications of to light of a tippet for the fly size. Conversely with to heavy of a tippet lifelike presentations will suffer and fish may be spooked.

Here is a chart of common X leader sizes and corresponding diameters, strengths and recommended fly sizes

X Size Diameter Strength Fly Size OX .011″ 15.5 lbs 1/ 0-4

1X .010″ 13.5 lbs 2-6

2X .009″ 11.5.lbs 4-8

3X .008″ 8.5 lbs 6-10

4X .007″ 6.0 lbs 12-16

5X .006″ 4.75 lbs 14-18

6X .005″ 3.5 lbs 16-22

7X .004″ 2.5 lbs 18-24

8X .003″ 1.75 lbs 22-28

Fisherman should always be prepared with a good assortment of tapered leaders and varied sizes of tippet material. There are many situations that will require switching leader sizes.

In conclusion, leader length size and strength have everything to do with fly presentation and catching and landing fish once hooked. When it comes to leader length, and tippet size remember conditions of wind, water, size of fish and fly size dictate. Then use the strongest test leader you can for the size of fish you are seeking in conjunction with the smallest leader diameter size matched to the fly. If adjusted to these conditions fly presentations will be natural and your chances of hooking and landing fish increased.

Have Fun Fishing

Tom Loder

About the Author:
Tom Loder’s Panhandle Outfitters is an award winning guide and outfitter service for Idaho Fishing as well as hunting and fishing in Montana and Washington. Panhandle Outfitters is distinctly acknowledged for accomplished Idaho elk hunting as well as trophy mule deer in Idaho, Washington and Montana. Visit his web site at www.panhandle-outfitters.com for all Panhandle Outfitters offers.
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