Knotted Leaders: 5 Formulas for Fly Fishing
Building your own knotted leader lets you choose the exact length and nylon diameters to suit your fishing.
The principle is simple: start with a large-diameter nylon section at the fly line end, then gradually reduce the diameters down to the leader tippet. The length of each section also plays an important role in how the leader behaves.
In this article, we look at several leader formulas recommended by Devaux, with lengths ranging from 3.15 m to 5 m, including specific setups for fast water and sight nymphing. We will also see how to connect the different sections cleanly with a blood knot.
Formulas and tips covered:
- Short formula: 3.15 m
- 4 m leader: versatile formula
- 4.90 m leader: long formula
- 5 m leader: fast water special
- 5 m leader: sight nymphing special
- Blood knot: how to connect the different sections
- HOW TO BUILD A KNOTTED LEADER? -
A tapered knotted leader is made up of several nylon sections joined together with blood knots. The diameter gradually decreases from the section connected to the fly line down to the tippet that carries the fly.
In the formulas shown below, the main sections are made with ALIOX nylon in 0.50 mm, 0.40 mm, 0.30 mm and 0.20 mm. The final sections are then made with finer nylon in 0.16 mm, 0.14 mm, 0.12 mm or 0.10 mm, depending on the formula chosen.
For these fine sections, you can use a tippet nylon such as STROFT GTM or Frog Hair Tippet.
- THE BLOOD KNOT -
The blood knot is especially well suited to connecting the different sections of a knotted leader. When tied properly, it creates a compact, symmetrical and, above all, well-aligned connection.
Allow around 10 to 12 cm of tag end at each end so you can work comfortably. The number of turns can be adjusted depending on the diameter and suppleness of the nylon. A base of 4 to 7 turns on each side works in many cases, with more turns for the finest lines. The key is to make the same number of turns on each side.
What about the surgeon's knot?
The surgeon's knot can be used to connect small diameters ≤ 0.20 mm. It is quick to tie, but the connection is generally less compact and less well aligned. For the main sections of the leader, the blood knot remains a particularly neat and consistent option.
- THE COTTARELLI BLOOD KNOT TOOL -
Tying blood knots repeatedly takes a little practice and patience, especially when holding the two nylon strands correctly while making the wraps. To make this easier and achieve perfect connections, there are tools specifically designed for building knotted leaders.
- DEVAUX LEADER FORMULAS -
How to read the tables? Simply choose the row matching the diameter of your final tippet, then assemble the different sections from left to right. An empty cell means that this diameter is not used in the formula.
- Short leader ~ 3.15 m
This first formula is designed to build a very short leader. Three versions are offered depending on whether you want to finish with 0.16 mm, 0.14 mm or 0.12 mm.
| Final tippet | ALIOX 0.50 mm |
ALIOX 0.40 mm |
ALIOX 0.30 mm |
ALIOX 0.20 mm |
Tippet 0.16 mm |
Tippet 0.14 mm |
Tippet 0.12 mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.12 mm | 80 cm | 50 cm | 30 cm | 30 cm | 30 cm | 100 cm | |
| 0.14 mm | 80 cm | 60 cm | 40 cm | 40 cm | 100 cm | ||
| 0.16 mm | 80 cm | 60 cm | 40 cm | 40 cm | 100 cm |
- 4 m leader
This 4-metre formula offers extra length while keeping the construction relatively simple. It is available with three final tippet diameters: 0.16 mm, 0.14 mm or 0.12 mm.
| Final tippet | ALIOX 0.50 mm |
ALIOX 0.40 mm |
ALIOX 0.30 mm |
ALIOX 0.20 mm |
Tippet 0.16 mm |
Tippet 0.14 mm |
Tippet 0.12 mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.12 mm | 80 cm | 70 cm | 40 cm | 40 cm | 40 cm | 130 cm | |
| 0.14 mm | 90 cm | 80 cm | 50 cm | 50 cm | 130 cm | ||
| 0.16 mm | 90 cm | 80 cm | 50 cm | 50 cm | 130 cm |
- 4.90 m leader
At 4.90 m, this formula allows you to build a noticeably longer leader. The tippet makes up a significant part of the total length, helping to reduce drag and improve stealth.
| Final tippet | ALIOX 0.50 mm |
ALIOX 0.40 mm |
ALIOX 0.30 mm |
ALIOX 0.20 mm |
Tippet 0.16 mm |
Tippet 0.14 mm |
Tippet 0.12 mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.12 mm | 140 cm | 70 cm | 40 cm | 40 cm | 40 cm | 160 cm | |
| 0.14 mm | 140 cm | 70 cm | 40 cm | 40 cm | 40 cm | 160 cm | |
| 0.16 mm | 140 cm | 80 cm | 60 cm | 60 cm | 150 cm |
- Fast water 5 m
Devaux also offers a specific 5-metre formula for fast water. Here, the 0.50 mm butt section measures 1.50 m, with a progressive taper down to a final tippet that can reach 1.40 m or 1.60 m depending on the chosen diameter.
| Final tippet | ALIOX 0.50 mm |
ALIOX 0.40 mm |
ALIOX 0.30 mm |
ALIOX 0.20 mm |
Tippet 0.16 mm |
Tippet 0.14 mm |
Tippet 0.12 mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.12 mm | 150 cm | 80 cm | 50 cm | 50 cm | 30 cm | 140 cm | |
| 0.14 mm | 150 cm | 80 cm | 50 cm | 50 cm | 30 cm | 140 cm | |
| 0.16 mm | 150 cm | 80 cm | 60 cm | 50 cm | 160 cm |
- Sight nymphing 5 m
For sight nymphing, here is another 5-metre construction. In particular, it allows you to go down to a 0.10 mm final tippet.
For the tippet of this leader, you can also use fluorocarbon such as Frog Hair 100% Fluorocarbon or SUPER TIPPET TIGER Fluorocarbon.
| Final tippet | ALIOX 0.50 mm |
ALIOX 0.40 mm |
ALIOX 0.30 mm |
ALIOX 0.20 mm |
Tippet 0.16 mm |
Tippet 0.14 mm |
Tippet 0.12 mm |
Tippet 0.10 mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.10 mm | 120 cm | 70 cm | 60 cm | 50 cm | 40 cm | 160 cm | ||
| 0.12 mm | 120 cm | 70 cm | 60 cm | 50 cm | 40 cm | 160 cm | ||
| 0.14 mm | 120 cm | 70 cm | 60 cm | 50 cm | 40 cm | 160 cm | ||
| 0.16 mm | 120 cm | 90 cm | 70 cm | 60 cm | 160 cm |
- WHICH NYLONS SHOULD YOU USE TO BUILD YOUR LEADER? -
- READY-TO-USE KNOTTED LEADERS -
If you do not want to build your own leader, Devaux also offers ready-to-use ALIOX knotted leaders.
The different Devaux formulas provide an excellent starting point for testing several lengths and gradually finding the profile that suits you best.
With a little practice, leader building becomes quick and economical, and it lets you replace only the worn sections.
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT KNOTTED LEADERS -
Why make your own knotted leader?
Building a knotted leader lets you choose the diameters and lengths of each section precisely. This makes it easy to adapt a formula to your own fishing style.
It is also an economical solution, as a few nylon spools can be used to make many leaders and replace only the worn sections if necessary.
Can you replace only a damaged section?
Yes, that is actually one of the advantages of a knotted leader. If a section is damaged, simply cut it out and replace it with a piece of nylon of the same diameter and similar length, without rebuilding the entire leader.
What leader length should you choose?
There is no single length suitable for every situation. The tables offer several constructions, from the short formula to 5-metre leaders. The choice depends in particular on the technique used and the type of water being fished.
Which line should you use for the tippet?
The main sections can be made with ALIOX, then the fine sections with nylon such as STROFT GTM or Frog Hair Tippet. For sight nymphing, you can also choose a fluorocarbon tippet.
Can you modify a leader formula?
Yes. These tables are a starting point. With experience, the lengths of the different sections can be adjusted according to the fly rod, the technique used, the size of the flies and the desired behavior.
How should you store your leaders without tangling them?
There are two simple methods. The first is to coil the leader into wide, even loops, then pass the free end through the loops several times to keep everything in place.
The second, particularly practical method is to use small foam spools. They let you store each leader neatly and reduce the risk of tangles. You can also write the leader length and tippet diameter on each spool.
Should the tippet be changed regularly?
Yes. The tippet is the most heavily used part of the leader and the most exposed to abrasion, knots and fly changes. It is therefore recommended to check it regularly and replace it as soon as it shows a mark, a weak spot or becomes too short after several fly changes.
What leader length should you choose when starting out?
To start, a leader of around 3 to 4 metres is a good versatile base. It remains relatively easy to cast and control. However, it is important to keep a tippet of at least 1 metre, which helps reduce drag and improve stealth. You can then try longer formulas depending on your technique and fishing conditions.