Loop-to-loop
Blood
Blood
Improved clinch
25 lb.020"
15 lb.015"
10 lb.012"
BUTT · 36"
TAPER · 36"
TIPPET · 24"
Total length8' 0"
Flies1
Knots3
WaterFreestone river, Big river, Lake or reservoir
- FlyA big, air-resistant dry such as a hopper, stonefly or foam bug.
Build your leader
8' 0" of line · 3 pieces · Butt to tip
| Section | Length | Diameter and size | Material | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0125-pound butt (3 ft) | 36" | 25 lb · .020" | Mono | Fly line loop |
| 0215-pound midsection (3 ft) | 36" | 15 lb · .015" | Mono | Blood knot |
| 0310-pound tippet (2 ft) | 24" | 10 lb · .012" | Mono | Blood 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 36" 25-pound butt (3 ft) to the 36" 15-pound midsection (3 ft) with a blood knot. Add 24" of 10 lb with a blood knot.
Tie on the fly
Tie the fly to the 24" 10-pound tippet (2 ft) with an improved clinch knot.
The knots
Blood knot · 5 turns×2
- Overlap the two ends by about six inches.
- Wrap one tag end around the other line five times, then bring it back and pass it between the two lines where they cross.
- Wrap the other tag end five times the opposite way and pass it back through the same opening from the other side.
- Wet the knot and pull the two standing lines steadily until the wraps seat. Trim both tags close.
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.