Scientific Anglers Absolute Trout Leader

We go through more of these leaders than any other in the shop — they're what we hand customers heading to the Provo, and they're what's on our own rods. The Absolute Trout's copolymer blend resists water absorption while staying supple, which means your knots hold at the worst possible moment (that's the only moment knots fail, in our experience): SA rates them 29% stronger wet-knot strength than their old material and up to 40% stronger than competitors.

For local water: a 9' 5X is the everyday choice for nymphing and most dries on the Provo and Weber. Go 7.5' 3X–4X for hoppers and streamers, and stretch to 6X–7X (with tippet) for the technical midge game below Deer Creek in winter.

Why we like it

• Tapers designed specifically for trout — turns over cleanly, lands soft
• Supple material for drag-free drifts on picky tailwater fish
• Butt diameters matched to modern trout fly lines
• 100% recyclable paper packaging — keep our rivers clean

Specs

• 7.5' — 3X (9.0 lb), 4X (7.4 lb), 5X (5.9 lb)
• 9' — 3X (9.0 lb), 4X (7.4 lb), 5X (5.9 lb)

Pro tip: buy three. You'll wind-knot one, a willow will eat one, and you'll be glad the third is in your pack instead of back at the shop. Free in-store pickup — grab them on your way up the canyon.