# **How to Choose All 5 Sizes of Hareline Lead Wire Weight for Fly Tying: .015, .020, .025, .030, .035**
When it comes to fly tying, adding weight to your flies can be crucial for achieving the right sink rate and depth control. **Hareline Lead Wire** is a popular choice among fly tyers due to its flexibility, durability, and ease of use. Available in five diameters—**.015, .020, .025, .030, and .035 inches**—each size serves a specific purpose depending on the fly pattern and fishing conditions.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to choose the right lead wire size for your fly tying needs, ensuring your flies perform optimally in different water conditions.
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## **Understanding Hareline Lead Wire Weights**
Lead wire is commonly wrapped around the hook shank before tying a fly to add weight, helping nymphs, streamers, and wet flies sink faster. The thickness of the wire determines how much weight is added, affecting the fly’s sink rate and balance.
Here’s a detailed look at each size:
### **1. .015″ Lead Wire – Ultra-Lightweight for Delicate Flies**
– **Best for:** Small nymphs, midges, and dry-dropper rigs.
– **Advantages:** Adds minimal weight, perfect for maintaining a natural drift in slow-moving water.
– **Ideal Hooks:** Size 16-24.
### **2. .020″ Lead Wire – Versatile for Medium-Small Flies**
– **Best for:** Standard nymphs, emergers, and small streamers.
– **Advantages:** Provides a balanced sink rate without overloading the fly.
– **Ideal Hooks:** Size 12-18.
### **3. .025″ Lead Wire – The All-Around Choice**
– **Best for:** Heavier nymphs, bead-head flies, and medium streamers.
– **Advantages:** A great middle-ground option for moderate currents and deeper water.
– **Ideal Hooks:** Size 8-14.
### **4. .030″ Lead Wire – Heavy Sinking for Fast Water**
– **Best for:** Large nymphs, articulated streamers, and deep-water fishing.
– **Advantages:** Helps flies cut through strong currents and reach bottom quickly.
– **Ideal Hooks:** Size 4-10.
### **5. .035″ Lead Wire – Maximum Weight for Deep Dives**
– **Best for:** Big streamers, saltwater flies, and deep lake fishing.
– **Advantages:** The heaviest option, ideal for getting bulky flies down fast in deep or fast-moving water.
– **Ideal Hooks:** Size 2-6 and larger.
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## **How to Choose the Right Size for Your Fly**
### **1. Consider Water Depth & Current Speed**
– **Shallow/slow water:** Use **.015″-.020″** for a subtle sink.
– **Moderate current:** **.025″-.030″** provides a good balance.
– **Deep/fast water:** **.035″** ensures rapid descent.
### **2. Match the Wire to Hook Size**
Thicker wire on small hooks can make the fly bulky and unnatural. Conversely, thin wire on large hooks may not provide enough weight.
### **3. Adjust for Fly Type**
– **Nymphs:** Typically use **.015″-.025″**.
– **Streamers:** Often require **.025″-.035″**.
– **Saltwater Flies:** Usually need **.030″-.035″** for extra weight.
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## **Tips for Using Lead Wire Effectively**
– **Wrap Tightly:** Ensure the wire is snug against the hook shank to prevent slipping.
– **Layer for More Weight:** Multiple wraps of thinner wire can be used instead of a single thick layer.
– **Use a Wire Bobbin:** Makes wrapping easier and more precise.
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## **Final Thoughts**
Choosing the right lead wire size is essential for fly performance. Whether you’re tying tiny midges or heavy streamers, **Hareline’s five wire sizes (.015, .020, .025, .030, .035)** give you the flexibility to fine-tune your flies for any fishing scenario.
Experiment with different diameters to see how they affect sink rates and presentation. By mastering lead wire selection, you’ll tie more effective flies and catch more fish!
For premium fly-tying materials, check out **KyleBooker’s selection of Hareline products**—designed to elevate your fly fishing game.
**Tight lines and happy tying!** 🎣
