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[Pac NW]

How long a leader would you use on a fast sinking fly line when fishing the lower Chilliwack River?

[Sandman]

How long a leader would you use on a fast sinking fly line when fishing the lower Chilliwack River?

3 feet tops, any more and the fly rides up in the water column, defeating the purpose of the fast sinking line. I will use up to six feet with an intermediate line in the lower river, while using a weighted fly.  This will usually, depending on the depth and speed if the run, hang the fly right above the heads if the stacked salmon.

[koifish]

I've been told to use a 8-9 foot leader at vedder crap I guess I should change it

[TayC]

I fish a leader anywhere from 3 feet to 1.5 ft with tips...I also tend to stay away from heavily weighted flies.

[Tex]

I've been told to use a 8-9 foot leader at vedder crap I guess I should change it

This is a good length for when you use floating lines.

For sinking lines or even sink tips though, I would say it's too long.

[koifish]

ya i have the 15ft sink tip s6 i guess i should cut my leader down

[RalphH]

some people use long leaders with clear intermediates. I prefer something around 4 to 6 feet and 2 to 3 feet with type 3 and up.

[Pac NW]

Thanks for the info. I will give it a go this weekend.

[brysonk]

longer leaders also make is harder to land fish without a net as I learned this past weekend. try to grab a hold of 12lb test line with an angry coho on the end of it ouch!

[DanJohn]

longer leaders also make is harder to land fish without a net as I learned this past weekend. try to grab a hold of 12lb test line with an angry coho on the end of it ouch!

Haha. My left hand has cuts on it from leader from my pink fishing day, and my stripping finger is cut (and after 2 seasons, scarred) from Sharkskin lines and fighting fish off the reel!

[Ian Forbes]

3 to 5 feet is good for salmon or steelhead. Not so good for big, resident Brown trout in New Zealand. The deciding factor is the sinking head you are choosing for the water depth and current speed you are fishing. Steelhead, Coho and Pinks usually hold about 12 to 18 inches off the bottom, except in a very fast current where they hold tight to the bottom. You want your fly or lure swinging a few inches above their face.

[zugger]

short with sinking lines
9 ft minimum with floating