Special Delivery | Russ Maddin | Streamer Leaders April 12, 2024 – Posted in: Special Delivery – Tags: ,

Scientific Anglers Pro Russ Maddin is considered one of the top streamer experts found anywhere.  An uber-talented tier and angler, Maddin is known for his ability to target big fish wherever he goes.  He was kind enough to share his leader and knot systems with us.

Maddin uses three knots when fishing streamer patterns.  The Double Uni Knot is used to connect the sections creating the leader.  The Kreh Loop Knot attaches the fly to the leader.   If a swivel is used, Maddin uses a regular Uni Knot for the connection.  This same system is used regardless of the pattern.

Depending on the actual fishing situation, Maddin uses both SA Absolute Fluorocarbon and Absolute Hard Mono to construct streamer leaders.  When fishing closer to the surface with a floating or intermediate line he prefers the Absolute Hard Mono.  On a sinking line, looking to hold a fly at depth, Maddin favors Absolute Fluorocarbon.   This is particularly true in moving water.  Much of his fishing has transitioned to lentic environments and here he relies primarily on the Absolute Hard Mono.

The majority of the time, Maddin relies on 3-Step leader design.  To target big fish (large trout, bass, steelhead) in a large environment, this is 2 foot each of 25 lb. to 20 lb. to 16 lb.  In smaller water this is scaled down to 20 lb. to 16 lb. to 12 lb.  Maddin says, “Basically, I’m matching tippet to the size of the fly in a smaller environment”.

When fishing a high-action pattern, he will often incorporate a swivel into the system.  This becomes a 2-step system with 20lb. to 25 lb. material (or heavier if needed) attached to a 40 lb. SA micro swivel with 16 lb. or 12 lb. as the tippet.  Both sizes attached to the swivel with a Uni Knot.  Again, this is geared to the size flies and location.  You want to run the lightest tippet you can with the size flies you are fishing, and still have the strength to manhandle a big fish if needed.  It’s always a balancing act.  Maddin says, “Whenever you fight a fish, there is a chance you can lose it.  Run the heaviest tippet you can that still maintains the action of the fly”.  Sound advice from someone who is focused on catching the largest fish in a particular piece of water.