I am trying to learn more about french nymphing and was wondering if it is possible to do with a 10ft 5/6 wt?
Also I have heard that pre-made tapered leaders are used but in fly fishing fly tying CJ said you can just make your own.

Could anyone please tell me correct leader make-up and even any tips on fishing this method?

Many thanks

You'd really struggle as there's little or no fly line outside the rod tip. A 10 - 11ft, 2wt is what's required - specialist rods that are available from the likes of Jan Siman

http://shop.siman.cz/

Try and find a copy of 'Fly Fishing & Fly Tying II', a book produced by Hends that comes with a very good DVD.

http://www.czechnymph.com/en/index.p...product_id=346

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You can make up the leaders. there are formulas in Karel Krivanec's book and on the net. The french use camofil, which is a type of flexible camouflaged mono, but you can get away with standard mono or use ready made leaders.

A long light rod is ideal. Jan Siman sells these and can advise. They are useful as the length and lightness facilitates control of the long leader. At a pinch a 9' 4 weight would probably be better than a 10' 5 weight.

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How about a 10ft #3 ( sent to me in error by a dealer and allowed to keep it when replaced)? Would that do at a pinch?

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10' 3wt seems to be the rod of choice for lots of the comp guys for french leader work.

Thanks for the info guys, hopefully get started with this method and catch some fish!!

I would get a 10ft 4wt rather than a 2wt, at least then you can use it for short nymphing as well; i wouldn't fancy flicking 3 heavy nymphs on a 2wt.

It may well be the perfect rod for french leader, but if you end up getting a rod designed for only one purpose you will have a shed load of rods most of which you wont use.

All you need for the river is a 9ft 4wt and 10ft 4wt, that will take care of 99% of rivers and fishing conditions in this country.

I use a 10ft 4wt (Scott S4) for my french leader work and it is perfect, at least then if i want to fish the deeper pools with heavy bugs i dont need to change rods.

For wets and dries i use a 9ft 4wt(Scott S4- bit pricey, but a great rod).

Doc, I've used a 2# for French Nymphing, and Czech Nymphing with 2 or 3 heavy bugs no problem. It's close quarter nymphing and you don't cast very far with little or fly line and you can still fish heavy Czech Nymphs on the french leader system.

You don't actually need two rods and a 2# is fine for both styles.

Bert

I use a 10' 2 weight for all kinds of fishing including french nymphing, czech nymphing and even lures! It is actually a good all round rod for river work. I actually now find at 10' 4 weight a bit heavy. I've got a modern flies 10' 2 weight from Jan Siman. This is a great rod and is wonderful for french nymphing. The lightness of the rod means that it will load to some extent with just the leader out and so it is a lot easier to cast light set ups with. However, I do have a problem with this rod that a lot of fish are bumped off. I don't really understand this as it is such a light rod, but I've tried it lots of times and it's a fact. As a result I don't use this rod in competitions any more and actually use a 9' 3 weight (Sierra EDP) most of the time. This is less ideal for French nymphing, but still useable. Ultimately, a long light rod is the best for this method but as always it is more down to the angler than the rod.

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