Sirdriftsalot. said:
I like tying a butt section of a tapered leader (about 4 feet or so, this much distance from indicator to fly line really helps with putting down those important mends) right to the eye of an indicator ( usually a bubble) then improve clinch knot a piece of tippet to the tapered leader and cinch it down tight to the knot of the butt section and eye of indicator (its similiar to a czech rig) this setup is not adjustable is the only thing, however I have noticed most steelies sit in the same depth of water, so say your winter fishing the applegate and most of the steelies are in 5-7 feet of depth, set your tied on piece of tippet for 6 feet. there are many benefits to rigging like this, the straight tippet material from butt end of leader to flies will have an increased sink rate compared to that of a 9 foot tapered leader and this rig will also drift a perfect 90 degree angle, fly line and butt section being a complete right angle from flies. this really helps you get in the zone and also telegraphs the slightest takes(I believe the closer the indicator is to the fly line the less efficient the drifts will be). 1x and 2x flouro or superflouro and dont be scared of weights like split shot they really help. I love to nymph for steelies, I know how some guys cringe at the sight of indicator but it is just so effective, tying really heavy flies helps also, I put on 42 wraps of lead on some size 6 stones and ugly bugs, they are double wrapped.