[troutmagnet]

New at nymphing...If I use flurocarbon leader/tippet attached to my sink tip line what length and size of flurocarbon should I use on a stream 1-3 feet deep?

[Colorado Cajun]

Hi,
If you are fishing a small stream I'd say you will probably need either 4X if you are using large flies or 5X if you are using sizes 16 -20. If the water is really clear and the fish are picky, then use the flurocarbon. If the fish aren't that picky and the water is super clear, save the flurocarbon for days you will need it. I carry some but since it is 3 times more expensive, I use it conservingly.

I would say you could use a 7 1/2 ft. leader.

[Joni]

I am the opposite of Colorado, I use flouro all the time. I just buy P-Line or Vanish instead of the tippet stuff. Use 4lb and 6lb the most, but I do have some 2lb that works real well on the 20's and 30's.
If you are using a sinking line, I wouldn't bother with a tapered leader, just use straight flouro (basically the presentation is not going to be an issue).
As shallow as you mentioned a 4 to 5' piece, if it is moving fairly quick add a couple more feet.
When you find the zone, just remember how much you have out.
I use a TYPE II on the rivers all the time and I love the softhackle nymphs, so I use 4' to 5' most.
I am tight on the gear cause I can go through it quickly with the clients, so this is the most cost effective method I have.

[Frank Whiton]

Originally Posted by troutmagnet

New at nymphing...If I use flurocarbon leader/tippet attached to my sink tip line what length and size of flurocarbon should I use on a stream 1-3 feet deep?

Hi trout, in that shallow of water I would not use a sink-tip line. I would use a floating line with weighted flies or split shot to adjust the depth of the fly. A floating line can give a drag free presentation. Nymphs are not all on the bottom and you need to be able to fish the whole water column. By using a two fly rig you will have better coverage of the water. If you want to fish the bottom, you can use a heavier weighted fly. If you want to fish the mid-water use a fly with a glass or plastic bead. Or you can use non-weighted flies with bodies made from material that sinks. In your water depth I would use a big dry fly as an indicator and a sinking nymph as a dropper. With a weighted dropper you can adjust the length of the leader to match the water depth. Nymph fishing is my favorite type of fishing because it has so many options on how to fish. If you must use the sink-tip line then a 4-5 foot leader will work. As Joni said, you don't need a tapered leader. Now if you are fishing deeper water, then a sink-tip is the way to go. --------Frank