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Steelhead and spey · Steelhead

10.5-Foot Salmon and Steelhead Leader

A 10.5-foot swing leader for salmon and steelhead on 8-10 wt rods. A 38" butt of .022" mono steps through four 13" pieces at .018", .016", .014" and .013" to a 36" tippet of .012". The stiff butt and even steps turn a swung fly over on a floating line.

BBy BarblessOctober 14, 2026

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.022"
.018"
.016"
.014"
.013"
.012"
BUTT · 38"
TAPER · 13"
TAPER · 13"
TAPER · 13"
TAPER · 13"
TIPPET · 36"
Total length10' 6"
Rod8-10 wt
Flies1
Knots6
WaterBig river, Freestone river

Drag the drawing to pan. Tap a fly for what it does, a knot for how to tie it.

Build your leader

10' 6" of line · 6 pieces · Butt to tip

Butt .022"2345.012"

Tie it

0 of 6 done

These are the finished lengths. Leave extra for tying each knot.

How to tie it

  1. Build the tapered leader

    Join the 38" butt to the 13" mid with a blood knot. Add 13" of .016" with a blood knot. Add 13" of .014" with a blood knot. Add 13" of .013" with a blood knot. Add 36" of .012" with a triple surgeon's knot.

    Tie a blood knotTie a triple surgeon's knot

  2. Tie on the fly

    Tie the fly to the 36" tippet with an improved clinch knot.

    Tie an improved clinch knot

The knots

  • Blood knot · 5 turns×4
    1. Overlap the two ends by about six inches.
    2. Wrap one tag end around the other line five times, then bring it back and pass it between the two lines where they cross.
    3. Wrap the other tag end five times the opposite way and pass it back through the same opening from the other side.
    4. Wet the knot and pull the two standing lines steadily until the wraps seat. Trim both tags close.
    The blood knot, step by step
  • Triple surgeon's knot · 3 turns×1
    1. Lay the new line alongside the end of the leader so they overlap about six inches, the ends pointing opposite ways.
    2. Holding the two lines as one, tie an overhand knot, passing the whole new piece through the loop.
    3. Pass the same ends through the loop twice more, three times in all.
    4. Wet it and pull all four ends evenly to seat the knot. Trim the tags.
    The triple surgeon's knot, step by step
  • Improved clinch knot · 5 turns×1
    1. Pass the tippet through the hook eye and pull about five inches through.
    2. Wrap the tag around the standing line five to seven times.
    3. Pass the tag through the small loop just above the eye, then back through the large loop you just made.
    4. Wet it and pull the standing line so the wraps snug down against the eye. Trim the tag.
    The improved clinch knot, step by step

When and how to fish it

Cast across or down and across, mend to set the fly's speed and depth, and let it swing on a tight line to the dangle. Take a step or two downstream between casts to cover the run. When a fish takes, let the line come tight before setting. Slow the swing with upstream mends in cold water.

If the fly swings too fast and shallow, throw an upstream mend right after the cast. A slower swing lets the fly sink and gives the fish time to take.

Common questions

  • Is this leader for floating or sinking lines?

    A floating line. On a sink tip a leader this long lets the fly ride above the tip, so a much shorter leader is better there.

  • How strong is the .012" tippet?

    It is stout enough for steelhead and most salmon on 8-10 wt rods, and fine enough to let a swung fly move freely.

  • When should the tippet be rebuilt?

    When it is nicked or rough from rocks, or fly changes have cut the 36" piece well short. Tie on fresh .012" with a triple surgeon's knot.

  • Should the hook be set on the take?

    Let the swing come tight on its own and lean into the fish. A hard upward set often pulls the fly away.

SteelheadChinook SalmonCoho SalmonSteelheadBig riverFreestone

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