Leader setup

So this is how I setup my leader for nymph fishing. Starting with the leader to fly line connection I use a Needle Knot. I really like this knot as the connection is very smooth and I have never had it catch or hang on a rod guide. This is important if a fish makes a last minute run when you have a few feet of leader in your rod guides. Connections like nail knots and loop to loop catching on the guides with light tippet will likely result in a broke off fish. The leader I choose is normally a 7.5' 0x but sometimes a 9' or even a 12' 0x for deep water applications. The primary reason I choose 0x is for the stiffness of the leader. Turning over heavy nymph rigs with split shot and indicators can be difficult on 3-5wt fly rods. At the end of the leader I attach 18-24" of 3x fluorocarbon tippet with a blood knot. I will then attach 18-24" of 4x fluorocarbon tippet to the end of the 3x section. The 3x section is where I add my split shot, the blood knot connecting the 3x and 4x will keep you split shot from sliding down towards your fly. The 3x is also strong enough to not significantly weaken by the crimping of split shot onto the line. I will attach my first fly onto the 4x, usually that first fly is a larger attractor fly like a san juan or egg pattern. Off my attractor fly I will use 4x/5x to add a dropper fly. At times, especially on some of the tailwater fisheries were you are using small 20-24 midge pupa, you may need to trade out the 3x/4x with 5x/6x. Other than that its a pretty simple setup that can be used in almost all nymph fishing situations. Hopefully this setup will reduce some of the frustrating wind knots that can occur when trying to turn over heavy nymph rigs. And most importantly it adds a few more fish brought to hand.  

Kelly Galloup explains drop shot nymphing. I think his system is particularly effective in deep fast water. This video he did has a wealth of knowledge in it.