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Dry fly · Brown Trout

Gary Borger 15-Foot Long Dry Fly Leader

A 15-foot tapered dry-fly leader built to turn over gracefully and land softly on the water. The long taper and gradual step-downs from .017" butt to .006" tip make it well-suited for 3-5 weight rods, working especially well with smaller dry flies where a delicate presentation matters. There's also a 6X variation; see the questions below.

BBy BarblessOctober 14, 2026

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.017"
.013"
~11.5 lb1X.010"
~8 lb3X.008"
~4.5 lb5X.006"
BUTT · 60"
TAPER · 60"
TAPER · 12"
TAPER · 36"
TIPPET · 12"
Total length15' 0"
Rod3-5 wt
Flies1
Knots5
WaterSpring creek, Tailwater

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

Build your leader

15' 0" of line · 5 pieces · Butt to tip

Butt .017"2345X

Tie it

0 of 5 done

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

How to tie it

  1. Build the tapered leader

    Join the 60" butt to the 60" mid with a blood knot. Add 12" of 1X with a triple surgeon's knot. Add 36" of 3X with a triple surgeon's knot. Add 12" of 5X 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 12" tippet with an improved clinch knot.

    Tie an improved clinch knot

The knots

  • Blood knot · 5 turns×1
    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×3
    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 this leader when you want a long, controlled drift and a gentle landing with small to medium dry flies. Cast upstream or across the current, then let the fly float naturally without drag. The length gives you plenty of line to manage on longer drifts, and the fine taper helps keep the fly riding high and true through the drift.

If the fly keeps sinking or the leader turns over hard, check that your tippet hasn't gotten nicked or frayed near the fly knot. A fresh 12 inches of 5X will often solve the problem and keep the whole rig fishing as designed.

Common questions

  • What rod weight should I pair with this leader?

    It's built for 3-5 weight rods. Lighter rods work best with smaller flies, while the heavier end of that range pairs nicely if you're throwing slightly larger dries or want more distance.

  • Is there a 6X version?

    Yes. There's a 6X variation at the same length: 60" of .017", 60" of .013", 12" of .010", 36" of .007", 12" of .005". It ends finer, for smaller flies and clear, flat water.

  • Does the 15-foot length matter for smaller streams?

    Not always. If your water is tight and your drifts short, a 12-foot leader might serve you better. This one shines on bigger water or longer runs where distance and control both help.

  • How often should I replace the tippet?

    The 12 inches of 5X at the end will take most of the wear and the fly knot. Replace it after each outing or whenever you notice a nick, scuff or that it's lost its suppleness.

  • Why step down so gradually from .017" to .006"?

    The gradual taper lets the energy from your cast flow smoothly down the leader and turn the fly over gently instead of snapping it down. That soft landing keeps the fly from spooking fish in slower water.

Brown TroutRainbow TroutCutthroat TroutDrySpring creekTailwater

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