# **How to Choose Hareline Lead Free Wire for Fly Tying: Weighted Material for Streamers (All Sizes)**
Fly tying is an art that requires precision, creativity, and the right materials. One of the most crucial components for adding weight to streamers and other flies is **Hareline Lead Free Wire**. This eco-friendly alternative to traditional lead wire provides the necessary weight while being safe for the environment.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to choose the right **Hareline Lead Free Wire** for your fly-tying needs, covering its benefits, applications, and how to select the best size for different fishing scenarios.
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## **Why Choose Hareline Lead Free Wire?**
Traditional lead wire has been a staple in fly tying for decades, but due to environmental concerns and regulations, many anglers are switching to **lead-free alternatives**. Hareline’s Lead Free Wire offers several advantages:
– **Eco-Friendly:** Made from non-toxic materials, reducing harm to aquatic life.
– **Durable & Flexible:** Easy to wrap around hooks without breaking.
– **Consistent Weight:** Provides reliable sinking action for streamers and nymphs.
– **Available in Multiple Sizes:** Suitable for various fly patterns and fishing conditions.
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## **Choosing the Right Size for Your Flies**
Hareline Lead Free Wire comes in different diameters, allowing you to customize the weight of your flies. Here’s a breakdown of the sizes and their best applications:
### **1. Ultra-Fine (0.010” – 0.015”)**
– Best for small nymphs and midge patterns.
– Adds subtle weight without overpowering delicate flies.
– Ideal for slow-moving waters where a natural drift is essential.
### **2. Medium (0.020” – 0.025”)**
– Perfect for standard streamers and weighted nymphs.
– Provides enough mass to sink flies in moderate currents.
– Works well for woolly buggers, leech patterns, and smaller baitfish imitations.
### **3. Heavy (0.030” – 0.035”)**
– Designed for large streamers and deep-water applications.
– Helps flies sink quickly in fast currents or deep pools.
– Great for articulated flies, pike/musky patterns, and saltwater streamers.
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## **How to Use Hareline Lead Free Wire in Fly Tying**
Adding weight to your flies with Hareline wire is simple:
1. **Select the Right Diameter** – Match the wire size to your hook and desired sink rate.
2. **Wrap the Wire Around the Hook Shank** – Start behind the eye or at the bend, depending on weight distribution needs.
3. **Secure with Thread** – Cover the wire with thread wraps to prevent unraveling.
4. **Build Your Fly** – Continue tying as usual, using the wire as an underbody for streamers or nymphs.
**Pro Tip:** For balanced flies, distribute the wire evenly along the hook shank. If you need a jigging action, concentrate more wraps near the bend.
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## **Best Fly Patterns for Hareline Lead Free Wire**
Here are some popular patterns that benefit from weighted wire:
– **Woolly Buggers** – Adds extra weight for deeper presentations.
– **Clouser Minnows** – Enhances the jigging motion.
– **Zonkers & Sculpins** – Helps them sink quickly in fast water.
– **Nymphs (Pheasant Tail, Hare’s Ear)** – Improves drift depth in currents.
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## **Final Thoughts**
Choosing the right **Hareline Lead Free Wire** for your fly tying projects ensures better performance while protecting the environment. Whether you’re tying small nymphs or heavy streamers, selecting the correct diameter is key to achieving the perfect sink rate and action.
For anglers who prioritize sustainability without sacrificing functionality, **Hareline’s Lead Free Wire** is an excellent choice. Stock up on different sizes to cover all your fly-tying needs and experiment with weight distribution for optimal results.
**Tight lines and happy tying!** 🎣
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