I captured some footage from my most recent outings. I spent a lot of time nymphing with a micro leader. This is a tactic I've recently grown into. For many years, I have been loyal to the Troutbitten Standard Mono Rig. However, after my interview with Cory Cuje a few months back, he convinced me to experiment with sighter indicator mono. I'm currently using Pierre Sempe in .20 m.m. It took a little time to get used to it, but I have found it really effective.
I hope you will take some time to check out the video. The fishing action was great. You'll get a one-point perspective on using a micro leader in a variety of water types.
When a light nymph won’t reach your target, adding a heavier fly might solve the casting problem while creating a presentation problem. In low, clear water, that extra weight can send your fly straight to the bottom, leaving you dragging through the drift.
I ran into this recently with my standard mono rig. Switching to a thinner micro leader allowed me to cast a small, lightly weighted nymph farther without adding weight the water didn’t call for. But I also had to adjust my casting stroke. Slowing down and letting the fly's weight propel the rig helped eliminate the tangles I created by forcing the cast.
If you’re already comfortable with tightline nymphing, this is one situation where experimenting with a thinner leader can help. Start on a calm day in familiar water, and pay attention to both the cast and the drift. The goal is to deliver the right fly at the right weight for the water in front of you.
I’ve spent forty years finding my way as a fly angler, but lately I’ve been caught between two approaches. A specialized Euro nymphing setup gives me the finesse and precision I love. Then the nymph bite slows, I reach for a streamer, and suddenly I want more versatility. Influenced by Domenick Swentosky and Cory Cuje, I’m trying to find my own blend of both. I refuse to carry two rods, and I’m not ready to settle for choosing one approach over the other. In this week’s article, I explore the trade-offs and why I’m still searching for a better answer.
This Week’s Recommendation: Pierre Sempe Indicator Nylon
I’ve recently started using Pierre Sempe Indicator Nylon as I explore thinner leaders for tightline nymphing. I’m currently fishing the 0.20 mm, with plans to try the 0.18 mm and 0.16 mm as I get more comfortable with this approach. Paired with a specialized nymphing rod, a thinner leader can reduce sag and the current's influence on your rig, giving you more control over drift.
If you’re ordering it for the first time, pay attention to the diameter. The lower the number, the thinner the material. These measurements are in millimeters, not the X sizing you might be used to on tippet. 0.20 mm is thicker and stronger than 0.18 mm, which is thicker and stronger than 0.16 mm. Going thinner is a trade-off between strength and reducing the leader’s influence on your presentation.
You can also choose a color that’s easier for you to see against the water and background where you fish. The solid colors, particularly green and pink, are brighter than the multicolor versions, although Sempe isn’t as bright as some dedicated sighter materials. Not every color comes in every diameter, so check both selections before ordering.
Each spool holds 100 meters, giving you plenty of material to build and experiment with micro leaders. If you’re ready to explore that next step in tightline nymphing, this is worth considering.
As a Firehole Outdoors Ambassador, I trust their products for the flies I sell and the flies I fish. These speckled tungsten beads are worth considering for perdigons, caddis nymphs, and stonefly jigs. The mottled finish adds a buggy look, while the dense tungsten alloy gets flies down quickly. Clean bores protect your tying thread, and eleven color options give you plenty of ways to customize your favorite patterns.
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