steelhead leader question

[Mr. Sturgeon14]

what pound leader/tippet do you use for winter steelhead?

[fisher-ben]

10# or 12# prefering the larger of the two unless waters are low and clear( which should be no worry so far this winter) then possibly 8#

[sothereiwas]

I pick my leader material based on the size of fly i'm fishing. I use 10, 12, 15, and even 20lb Maxima. The reason is when I'm throwing a 6 inch long intruder I like something stiffer to turn it over. It not needed, but it helps on those long casts.

Brad

[Steelbum]

Sothereiwas,

If dead drifting, a good starting point would be 10lb maxima chameleon. If you tie good knots, you would be hard pressed to break it. I tend to beef it up in higher water to 12lb. In low and clear water, drop it down to 8lb or even some different types of flouro. My general observation is that if a winter steelhead is going to bite something, they tend not to be leadershy.

Jason

[AndyK]

what pound leader/tippet do you use for winter steelhead?
I chose my leaders for steelhead on the basis of diameter, not pound test. 1X, 0X or 01X for winter steelhead, depending on water conditions. The pound test will vary depending on type and brand. I only use fluorocarbon.

[Mr. Sturgeon14]

im using a 1x leader its like 12.6 # or somethimg thanks for all the input

[TallFlyGuy]

1x 2x 3x 0x.....It's all obsolete given each brand is different in size and diameter. What use to be important was the diameter. Now that is all messed up so the "x" really doesn't mean much other than a reference point.

Most buddies and guides I know use straight 12lb Maxima, in the winter, which is .013 inches. I use straight 12lb maxima or 15lb seaguar flouro. I attach this to a 6-8 inch butt section of 20-30lb maxima. Nail knot the butt section to your tip, then put a very small perfection loop in that, for attaching your leader. If it gets cold as hell, make that perfection loop bigger, and tie some pre-rigged leaders with loops on the end so you can pass them through each other and not have to take your gloves off to attach them to your leader. This is for swinging of course. I don't use my fly rod to bobber fish....I use my bobber rod to bobber fish. :D:D

[Keta Dog]

OK...now I am wondering how long are the leaders you fish. I normally fish a 10# or 12# test non-tapered leader, and if is am swinging flies, I make them about 6'.

[TallFlyGuy]

OK...now I am wondering how long are the leaders you fish. I normally fish a 10# or 12# test non-tapered leader, and if is am swinging flies, I make them about 6'.

I try to stay around 3 ft. for swinging. In the summer with low clear water, I'll go 6-8ft. on 10lb flouro. Seaguar.