Nylon Tapered Leader - 1 Pack

Nylon Tapered trout leaders are extruded from high-tenacity copolymers for an exceptional blend of abrasion resistance and knot strength. The supple nylon material ensures flies are presented delicately.

- Abrasion Resistance
- Knot Strength
- Supple

WATER: Freshwater
MATERIAL: Clear Nylon
LENGTHS: 7.5ft / 9ft / 12ft

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LEADER SIZE BREAK STRENGTH (LB) TIP DIAMETER (INCHES) BUTT DIAMETER (INCHES)
0X 15.9 lb. .011 in. .026 in.
1X 13 lb. .010 in. .025 in.
2X 10.2 lb. .009 in. .022 in.
3X 8.6 lb. .008 in. .022 in.
4X 7.2 lb. .007 in. .020 in.
5X 5.4 lb. .006 in. .020 in.
6X 3.9 lb. .005 in. .020 in.
7X 2.5 lb. .004 in. .016 in.

Nylon Tapered Leader is designed for fly fishing situations where smooth turnover, controlled energy transfer, and natural presentation are important. The tapered construction helps deliver the fly accurately while the nylon material remains supple enough to support clean drift and fly movement.

Use it when: fishing dry flies, light nymphs, or general-purpose fly fishing.

  • Anglers fishing dry flies or lightly weighted nymphs
  • Situations where presentation and drift matter more than sink rate
  • Beginners looking for a forgiving, easy-to-handle leader
  • Everyday fly fishing in rivers, streams, and still water
  • Smooth energy transfer
    The tapered design allows energy to move gradually from the fly line to the fly, improving turnover and reducing collapse at the end of the cast.
  • Supple nylon material
    Nylon remains flexible, which supports better drift and more natural fly movement, especially on surface and near-surface presentations.
  • Controlled presentation
    The balance of stiffness and flexibility helps the fly land softly while maintaining enough structure to manage slack.
  • Forgiving handling
    Nylon leaders are easy to knot, stretch, and straighten, making them practical for frequent rig changes and varied conditions.

Choose this leader if:

  • You fish dry flies or lightly weighted rigs
  • Natural drift and presentation are a priority
  • You want a supple, easy-handling leader
  • You need a reliable leader for general fly fishing

Is nylon or fluorocarbon better for leaders?
Nylon is often preferred for dry flies and general fishing because it is more supple and floats better. Fluorocarbon is usually chosen for subsurface fishing where abrasion resistance and sink rate matter more.

Can this leader be used for nymphing?
Yes, for light nymphs and shallow presentations. For deeper or more abrasive conditions, fluorocarbon leaders or tippet may be a better choice.

Is this leader suitable for beginners?
Yes. Nylon tapered leaders are forgiving, easy to manage, and work well across a wide range of fly fishing situations.

average rating 4.9 out of 5
Based on 41 reviews
  • 5 Stars
    38 Reviews
  • 4 Stars
    3 Reviews
  • 3 Stars
    0 Reviews
  • 2 Stars
    0 Reviews
  • 1 Star
    0 Reviews
100% of reviewers would recommend this product to a friend
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41 Reviews
Reviewed by KEN H.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

2 pack tapered leaders

I miss the three packs but two is better than one for sure.

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Reviewed by donald w.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

5x

after using other leaders from other companies have come back to the beginning.

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Reviewed by Andrew S.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

ak.troutbum31

Cortland makes great products from fly lines, leader, tippet and fluorocarbon. It’s all I use and I am very confident when I fly fish using Cortland products.

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Reviewed by David M.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Rated 4 out of 5
Review posted

Great value!

I like these leaders, and give them a 4.5/5. My only dissatisfaction is with how many times the butt end is wrapped around the rest of the leader in packing. There is enough memory in the thick nylon that the 6-8 wraps hardly ever straighten out. Most competors use 3 loose wraps. Otherwise, these are a great value!

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Reviewed by Michael w. Z.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Mike z opinion

I like the Cortland product better than the Orvis. I think it’s stronger and I think it’s straightens easier than an Orvis tapered leader.

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Reviewed by Allan W G.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

6X leaders

Perfect for Montana Spring Creeks

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Reviewed by Joel E.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Tapered leader

Consistent size and quality

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Reviewed by Jason
I recommend this product
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

5 Stars

Always a great product. I use nothing but Cortland leaders.

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