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Episode 124 - Fly Fishing Leaders and Tippet

In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we talk through one of the most overlooked parts of fly fishing success on the river: leaders and tippet. What seems like a small detail can have a major effect on turnover, presentation, drift, and ultimately whether or not fish eat.

We walk through practical tips for matching leader length to water clarity, choosing stronger tippet than most anglers think they can get away with, and avoiding common mistakes that hurt presentation. From dry flies and nymph rigs to streamers, this conversation is all about building a better leader system and understanding how each section works together.

Key Highlights:

• Matching leader length to conditions: In clear, slow water, longer leaders help keep fly line farther from the fish. In stained or faster water, shorter leaders are often all you need.
• Why heavier tippet often helps: We talk about how anglers often fish too light, which can create poor turnover, extra tangles, and longer fights that stress fish.
• Leader maintenance matters: Straightening your leader before fishing and replacing worn tippet can immediately improve presentation and drift.
• Micro swivels and tippet rings: We discuss a practical way to preserve your leader system, save money, and make changing tippet easier.
• Building better leader systems: From butt section stiffness to taper design, we explain how the right setup transfers energy and helps flies turn over more cleanly.

Resources:

• Episode 123, “Fishing Near Salida, Colorado”
• Visit southeasternfly.com

Southeastern Fly Schedule 2026

Monday, May 4th- Episode 125, Sawyer Oars

Monday, May 18th- Episode 126, to be determined

Monday, June 1st- Episode 127, Fly Fishing the Clinch River

Thursday, July 9th- Open date to book a trip with David

Friday, July 10th- Open date to book a trip with David

Currently Booking Days for August, 2026

Episode 123. Fishing Salida, CO

In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we sit down with Captain Mark Richardson of Ark Anglers to talk about fishing the Arkansas River around Salida, Colorado. Mark guides this water day in and day out, and in this conversation we cover the different sections of the river, seasonal conditions, floating productive water, and what makes the Arkansas River such a special fishery.

We also revisit a day we spent on the water together and talk through streamer fishing in slightly stained conditions. From river structure to fly choice and presentation, this episode offers practical insight for anglers planning a trip out West or simply wanting to learn how a guide breaks down a river.

A big takeaway from this conversation is that success on the Arkansas often comes down to reading conditions, adjusting your approach, and understanding how each section of river fishes differently.

Key Highlights:

• The Three Basins: Mark breaks down the upper, middle, and lower sections of the Arkansas River.
• Why the Lower Basin: We talk about why this stretch is one of Mark’s favorites to fish and float.
• Streamers in Colored Water: Slight stains can make streamer fishing much more effective.
• Retrieve Matters: Cadence, movement, and angle all play a role in getting eats.
• Confidence Flies: Mark shares a few of his go-to streamer patterns and colors.
• Adjusting Setups: We discuss when to change lines and presentations based on conditions.
• Watching Fish React: Observation and small changes can lead to better results.
• Beyond the River: Mark also talks about nearby high-country lake opportunities.
• Visit ArkAnglers in Salida, Colorado

David Perry

Southeastern Fly

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