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George Harvey Slack Leader Formula

Information for slack leader purchase is here

Here is the leader formula referenced in Episode 14, February 2008. This is a modified leader formula for nymphs and dries, based on George Harvey's Slack Leader Formula.

The slack leader was designed to collapse or pile the last 1/3 of the leader for dry fly presentations. Why would one want a leader that does not straighten out? Because it allows you to get a longer drag free drift with a dry fly. If your cast lays line, leader, and fly straight out without slack, the current will immediately cause the fly to drag. These leaders out perform modern extruded leaders. They definitely are worth the extra effort or cost.

Eric Stroup showed us how he modifies this leader to include a "strike indicator" section of different colored mono. This means that you have one leader that is perfect for short line nymphing and dry fly presentations. All you have to do is change your tippet section. I use this leader for 80% of my Trout fishing. The only time I do not use this leader is when I am throwing big flies like mice, articulated streamers, huge terrestrials or drakes.

 

The way I am constructing my leader calls for several different types of monofilament. The butt section of the leader is made up of Maxima Chameleon and Amnesia. The much stiffer Maxima transfers more energy in to the first 2/3 of the leader for cleaner turn over. The Amnesia is very close in performance to the Maxima, and is the most visible monofilament I have found for the indicator section. My tippet sections are comprised of Maxima Ultragreen. The The Ultragreen is very limp and supple, helping the tippet sections collapse giving you the longest drag free drift possible. Take a look at the formulas listed below.

Modified Harvey Slack leader Formula for Dry Flies
Diameter # Test X Rating
Type of Mono
Length
.017 20 LB.   Maxima Chameleon 10"
.015 15 LB.   Maxima Chameleon 18"
.013 12 LB.   Amnesia Green 18"
.010 8 LB. 1x Maxima Chameleon 18"
.009 6 LB. 2x Maxima Chameleon 18"
.008 5 LB. 3x Maxima Ultragreen 12"
.007 4 LB. 4x Maxima Ultragreen 18"
.006 3 LB. 5x Maxima Ultragreen 24-30"

 

Modified Harvey Slack leader Formula for Nymphing
Diameter # Test X Rating
Type of Mono
Length
.017 20 LB.   Maxima Chameleon 10"
.015 15 LB.   Maxima Chameleon 18"
.013 12 LB.   Amnesia Green 18"
.010 8 LB. 1x Maxima Chameleon 18"
.009 6 LB. 2x Maxima Chameleon 12"
.008 5 LB. 3x Maxima Ultragreen 18"
.007 4 LB. 4x Maxima Ultragreen 18-24"

You will notice, the only real difference between the dry fly and nymph leaders is in the 2x-5x sections. Because all of the leaders sections are delineated with knots, it is very easy to count up sections and see how to build your leader back. It is just not possible to do this and be accurate with an extruded leader.

I do include a perfection loop tied in these leaders when you purchase them through the site. Now for the bad news. I DON'T recommend that you use them. Loop to Loop connections are convenient, but they do not transfer the energy from your line to your leader effectively. Nail knotting the leader to your line or using a pre tied butt section on your line is a much better approach.