Loop-to-loop
Surgeon's
Surgeon's
Improved clinch
~8 lb3X.008"
~6.5 lb4X.007"
~3.5 lb6X.005"
TAPER · 12"
TAPER · 12"
TIPPET · 24"
Total length4' 0"
Flies1
Knots3
WaterSpring creek, Tailwater
- FlyThe small dry or midge drifts on the 6X point to rising trout on slow, clear water.
Build your leader
48" of line · 3 pieces · Butt to tip
| Section | Length | Diameter and size | Material | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01Step-down | 12" | ~8 lb · 3X · .008" | Fluorocarbon | Fly line loop |
| 02Step-down | 12" | ~6.5 lb · 4X · .007" | Fluorocarbon | Triple surgeon's knot |
| 03Tippet | 24" | ~3.5 lb · 6X · .005" | Fluorocarbon | Triple surgeon's knot |
Tie it
0 of 3 doneThese are the finished lengths. Leave extra for tying each knot.
How to tie it
Build the tapered leader
Join the 12" step-down to the 12" step-down with a triple surgeon's knot. Add 24" of 6X with a triple surgeon's knot.
Tie on the fly
Tie the fly to the 24" tippet with an improved clinch knot.
The knots
Triple surgeon's knot · 3 turns×2
- Lay the new line alongside the end of the leader so they overlap about six inches, the ends pointing opposite ways.
- Holding the two lines as one, tie an overhand knot, passing the whole new piece through the loop.
- Pass the same ends through the loop twice more, three times in all.
- Wet it and pull all four ends evenly to seat the knot. Trim the tags.
Improved clinch knot · 5 turns×1
- Pass the tippet through the hook eye and pull about five inches through.
- Wrap the tag around the standing line five to seven times.
- Pass the tag through the small loop just above the eye, then back through the large loop you just made.
- Wet it and pull the standing line so the wraps snug down against the eye. Trim the tag.