Fly Line, Leader & Tippet

Your fly line is the delivery system for everything else — the weight that loads the rod on the cast and the profile that determines how your fly lands on the water. A poor-quality line on a quality rod is a frustrating combination. We carry floating fly lines from Stone Creek Outfitters in weight-forward and double-taper profiles, sink-tip lines for streamer and wet fly fishing, and full-sinking lines for deep nymphing and stillwater work. Fly line backing and pre-assembled line combo sets are also available.

On leaders and tippet: fluorocarbon is worth the cost for most trout fishing due to near-invisibility underwater, superior abrasion resistance, and faster sink rate. Monofilament works well for dry fly presentations where the leader rests on the surface. We stock both. Tippet is a consumable — stock at least two sizes: 5X for size 14–18 flies, 6X for 18–22, and 7X for smaller midge presentations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a weight-forward and double-taper fly line?

Weight-forward (WF) lines concentrate mass in the front 30 feet, making them easier to cast long distances and turn over heavy flies. They're the standard for most fishing situations. Double-taper (DT) lines have the same diameter for most of the line with tapered ends — they present the fly more delicately at short distances and can be reversed when one end wears out. For most anglers, a weight-forward line is the practical choice. Double-tapers are preferred for delicate dry fly fishing at short range.

When do I need a sink-tip or full-sinking fly line?

Use a sink-tip line for streamer fishing in moderate to fast current where you need the fly below the surface quickly — this covers most streamer fishing on Rocky Mountain rivers. Use a full-sinking line for deep nymphing in lakes and slow rivers, or for stillwater fishing where you need the entire line below the surface. For most river fishing with dry flies and indicators, a floating line handles everything. A floating and a sink-tip together cover 95% of freshwater trout situations.