Soon to begin my second season on rivers. I've fished dozens and dozens of them over the years but never seriously-just for fun-a diversion from loughs, lakes and puddles. Had my successes especially with sea trout. But never took the time to learn properly .

Well, I'm ready to now. I've heard many diff ideas regarding dry fly leader set up. I'm very aware that leader/tippet floating on the surface is a big no-no. But how close to the fly do you use sinkant? I heard let the last inch float, de-grease up to 3" away, sink all of it...so what is the best thing to do?

I typically fish on the edge of a riffle, rarely bother with flat featureless stretches, even if I see fish there. Also, I only fish small rivers, usually no wider than 10-15 metres, often narrower. A 9' tapered leader would be my usual choice, fly tied directly on the thin end. I try this and that with my leader set up but can't seem to settle on a standard starting place.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated...

Chris.

__________________
" I still don't know why I fish or why other men fish except that we like it and it makes us think and feel".
Roderick L Haig-Brown

Nothing of the kind. Just let your leader float or sink. Don't make it thicker by putting stuff on it. Build your own leaders too. Bought ones are perfect for whatever the designer intended them for, but your own made ones will be perfect for all the conditions you come across as you will make them accordingly.

It's all here: Dry Fly 'Expert': Leader linguistics, tippet talk and tips...


richard

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Who resides on the right bank of the Derbyshire Wye and is lulled to sleep each night by the mutterings of a weir, dreaming that "When the rivers and their inhabitants come first, we ALL win..."

Thank you Richard. As you said it's all there. I shall study over the weekend and adopt what seems relevant to the conditions I find on a particular day. There is a lot to take into consideration for a novice like me. However, it is what I asked for-a base, a starting point. I shall undoubtably be back with questions sooner or later .

Thanks again...

Chris.

__________________
" I still don't know why I fish or why other men fish except that we like it and it makes us think and feel".
Roderick L Haig-Brown

Hi Chris
Try one of Mr Trout's furled leaders and 3-4 feet of nylon attached cant go wrong. I have been using them for the past few weeks with great results.

Hi Chris,
As you normally fish the edge of the ripples there is no need to degrease your leader. I use an orvis braided or MrT furled leader and about 6t of 4x or 5x tippett, I get better accuracy with the braided leaders. I think it is more important to prepare the dry fly correctly than worry about the line. Everyone has there own way and thoughts on dry fly fishing. Find what works for you and what you feel confident with you will catch more fish.

Ian

Thanks for the replies chaps. Of course I'd forgot mr T's furled. I have a good few of them. However, I'm tempted to try Richards do it yourself version as in the link he kindly posted. Try as I may my furled leaders usually become water logged and consequently do not lift off as easily as perhaps a mono set up would. Just about to try and squeeze a length of mono into my 3# line-looks tight to me

Chris.

__________________
" I still don't know why I fish or why other men fish except that we like it and it makes us think and feel".
Roderick L Haig-Brown

I have one of Richards "Expert" lines - it comes with needle knot instructions. I was a bit wary of getting nylon into a 3 weight but following the instructions it was very easy. The only tip I would give if you use these instructions is if you heat the needle you don't need to do it for long

Ok Dave-thanks-I'll bear that in mind

Chris.

__________________
" I still don't know why I fish or why other men fish except that we like it and it makes us think and feel".
Roderick L Haig-Brown

im probably gonna get slated for tyhis but i uuse flouro for drys as it sinks naturally. i know the purists use copolymer but the sink it so why not just use flouro

Flouro in low diameters doesn't sink and isn't as invisible as they make out. I can still see it miles away.

Burhan

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I could fish deep into the night
Well past the light
But at the end of the day
It's the end of the day

Burhan

mc_death187@yahoo.com