Northwest Fishing Reports

I'm interested in trying leaded line for trolling for trout this fall.I've noticed a lot of guys are using it on Roosevelt. Would anyone like to share their knowledge and set ups. I would really love to hear the ins and outs from some of you who successfully use the stuff.how many seasons will a spool of this expensive line last on average. Is backing necessary. Uni knots, nail knots.mono leader or flour.what size leaded line are you using.how much leader.

juggalo wrote:I'm interested in trying leaded line for trolling for trout this fall.I've noticed a lot of guys are using it on Roosevelt. Would anyone like to share their knowledge and set ups. I would really love to hear the ins and outs from some of you who successfully use the stuff.how many seasons will a spool of this expensive line last on average. Is backing necessary. Uni knots, nail knots.mono leader or flour.what size leaded line are you using.how much leader.

I use it at Roosevelt every time we fish. How many seasons? Supposedly indefinitely. I can tell you the leaded line on my reels has been on them since we bought the reels and had them spooled - almost 8yrs ago. Dacron does not wear like mono. I've read of some who remove the line and respool in reverse, but I see no need. A full spool of 18lb leadcore is 300', so no need for backing and neither of my reels have any, nor have I ever been close to needing more.

For Roosevelt I use a 50' 6lb fluorocarbon leader tied to a micro barrel swivel which is tied to the leadcore. In the past I used a Willis knot, but after having the leader pull through the knot with 6lb fluorocarbon (worked fine with 6lb mono) I quit using it. I much prefer the micro barrel swivels which slide effortlessly through the guides and level wind eye and I haven't had a knot failure since going to them.

You will need a reel capable of holding approximately 300yds of 20lb line. I use Daiwa SG47LC (line counter) reels and they hold 280yds of 20lb mono. A full spool of 18lb leadcore fits them perfectly.

Before tying anything to the leadcore, or leadcore to your reel, you'll want to pull the dacron sheath back and expose 3" - 5" or so of the lead core. Snip it off and dispose of properly. Now you'll have just the dacron sheath to tie to your reel, line, or terminal gear like a barrel swivel.

My setups at Roosevelt most likely won't work in your waters, so you'll have to experiment with what works where you plan to fish. I troll streamer flies (try some of WA Lakes member Dave Browning's Kekeda flies!!) 150' - 155' out. I troll fast, usually over 2.5mph, so you'll need to adjust to gear you use and lakes you fish.

EDIT: Just noticed you're in the valley, so maybe my setups will work in waters you fish.

Great information hewesfisher! Ive heard a lot of great things about the kekada flies! Not to mention ive heard kokanee go crazy for them!

I use it in Alder Lake, mostly in front of awedding ring, flatfish or triple teaser. I only use whatever lengthnof leader the wedding rings come with or about 3 feet on the others but thats not the clearest lake around. Never been to Roosevelt.