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Streamer · Rainbow Trout

10-Foot 3-2-1 Streamer Leader Formula

A three-piece streamer leader that steps from 30 lb to 20 lb to 10 lb Trilene Big Game, the 3-2-1 in its name. It runs 10 feet: a 72 inch butt, a 24 inch midsection and a 24 inch tippet, joined with triple surgeon's knots. Stiff, simple and quick to tie, it is built to turn over streamers and stand up to fish that grab hard.

BBy BarblessOctober 15, 2026

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30 lb.022"
Trilene Big Game
20 lb.018"
Trilene Big Game
10 lb.012"
Trilene Big Game
BUTT · 6 FT
TAPER · 24"
TIPPET · 24"
Total length10' 0"
Flies1
Knots3
WaterFreestone river, Big river, Lake or reservoir

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

Build your leader

10' 0" of line · 3 pieces · Butt to tip

Butt 30 lb210 lb

Tie it

0 of 3 done

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

How to tie it

  1. Build the tapered leader

    Join the 6 ft 30 lbs test butt to the 24" 20 lbs test midsection with a triple surgeon's knot. Add 24" of 10 lb with a triple surgeon's knot.

    Tie a triple surgeon's knot

  2. Tie on the fly

    Tie the fly to the 24" 10 lbs test tippet with an improved clinch knot.

    Tie an improved clinch knot

The knots

  • Triple surgeon's knot · 3 turns×2
    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

Fish it on a floating or intermediate line for trout and bass that chase baitfish patterns. Cast across or down and across, give the fly a few seconds to sink, then strip it back with pauses and changes in speed. The 30 lb butt drives the fly over, so a smooth, open loop is all it takes. Retie the 10 lb tippet when it gets nicked on rocks or teeth.

If the fly rides too high on a sink tip, shorten the 72 inch butt so the leader is 4 to 5 feet. A short leader keeps the fly down with the tip.

Common questions

  • What does 3-2-1 mean in this leader?

    It names the three line strengths: 30 lb butt, 20 lb midsection and 10 lb tippet. Each step is a clean drop that a triple surgeon's knot holds well.

  • Why use 10 lb tippet for streamers?

    Streamers are big, and fish hit them hard. The 10 lb tippet turns over bulky flies and survives a strike on a tight line that would break finer tippet.

  • Can this leader go on a sink tip?

    It works best on a floating or intermediate line. On a sink tip, cut the butt so the leader is 4 to 5 feet, so the fly stays down with the tip.

  • Which knot ties on the fly?

    The build uses an improved clinch knot. Wet it and seat it firmly in the 10 lb tippet so it does not slip.

Rainbow TroutBrown TroutCutthroat TroutSmallmouth BassLargemouth BassStreamerFreestoneBig riverLake

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