DIY Spinning Trout Leaders

A leader is a lightweight, tiny strand of fishing line that attaches to the end of the floating fly line. Leaders are important because they drop the lightweight fly almost invisibly over skittish, easily spooked trout. Knotless leaders are available pre-made in most outfitters' and fly shops, but if you want to get custom lengths or weights for your trout days, make your own. A leader, spinning or braided, is matched to the rod weight and rating.

Things You'll Need

  • Assortment of monofilament fishing line weights
  • Clippers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cross-reference the fly-rod weight, length and size of fly you wish to use for your trout fly fishing day with a leader recommendation chart. Typically speaking, trout require 3, 4 or 5 weight rods. Your fly choice is dictated by season and the hatch at the fish stream.

    • 2

      Select the appropriate-weight monofilament leader line for your rod, fly and weight ratings. As a general rule, a good "got-to" leader line weight is 5 pounds.

    • 3

      Cut a length of line appropriate for your stream. If you are fishing western rivers with little to no tree overhang or brush, go with a longer leader, on the order of 7 1/2 feet up to 12 feet; for eastern rivers with lots of hardwood brush, use a 7-foot to 5-foot leader.

    • 4

      Tie one end of the cut leader line to the floating fishing line. Use a surgeon's knot to connect the two lines.

    • 5

      Tie the fly to the opposite end of the leader.