Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => Fly Fishing Cafe => Topic started by: Happy Clam on December 28, 2009, 10:29:59 PM

Title: Backing & tapered leader length for Spey lines
Post by: Happy Clam on December 28, 2009, 10:29:59 PM

Hi all, I'm a fly fisher from Hong Kong & planned
to spend my holiday to Vancouver BC the coming
Feb. I got a Spey rod (#9) with me and wish to have
suggestion about the length of backing & length of
leader / tapered leader for Pitt river. Ny fly line is
Windcutter multi tips 9/10/11. Thanks in advance.
Cheers, Paul

Title: Re: Backing & tapered leader length for Spey lines
Post by: Jamison Jay on December 28, 2009, 10:55:13 PM

For leaders I make my own, just 2-3ft of 25lbs, then 3ft of 16lbs when fishing for steelhead. But that's down on the Chilliwack river. I use a single hand 8wt rod on the Pitt. Still I go with short leaders 6ft or less. And I almost always use tips. for backing anywhere between 150-200yrds.


Like mentioned the Pitt river is boat access only. I would take Rodney's suggestion and get a guide so you don't spend half the day fishnig the wrong section of river with the wrong fly or gear.

Title: Re: Backing & tapered leader length for Spey lines
Post by: Happy Clam on December 28, 2009, 10:59:59 PM

Quote from: fisherforever on December 28, 2009, 10:43:29 PM

Amount of backing will depend on the size of your reel and the length of of your fly line, you normally will need between 100 -200 yds. of minimum 20 lb. test. I don't bother with tapered leaders, just use 10 -12 lb. leader material 3 - 4 feet long. BTW, you do know that you need a boat to access the Pitt.

Thanks! Fisherforever. I'll be using a Ross CLA6 a capacity fo 200yr. 30
lb backing can be loaded. I know the upper Pitt river which is very remote.
I'm searching a guide for that and just send an enquiry to STS.

Title: Re: Backing & tapered leader length for Spey lines
Post by: Happy Clam on December 28, 2009, 11:06:23 PM

Quote from: Jamison Jay on December 28, 2009, 10:55:13 PM

For leaders I make my own, just 2-3ft of 25lbs, then 3ft of 16lbs when fishing for steelhead. But that's down on the Chilliwack river. I use a single hand 8wt rod on the Pitt. Still I go with short leaders 6ft or less. And I almost always use tips. for backing anywhere between 150-200yrds.


Like mentioned the Pitt river is boat access only. I would take Rodney's suggestion and get a guide so you don't spend half the day fishnig the wrong section of river with the wrong fly or gear.

Jamison. Yeah! I agree with you & Rodney. Thanks for your experience shared.
I guess 6' leader would be OK for Leech. Since I had experience with big Sailfish
popper flies with only 3-4' leader.

Title: Re: Backing & tapered leader length for Spey lines
Post by: Jamison Jay on December 29, 2009, 10:04:31 AM

The other reason for short leaders is you usually are fishing sink tips and want to keep the fly down with the tip, you don't want it floating up or away.