Gerry, I've used the   60-20-20 (butt- mid section- tippet) formula for many  years. I generally try to make the leader butt 60% of the tip of the flyline.  With a 5 wt. i.e., that's about .021    I generally will taper down in no more than 3 -4 thousandths at a time. There are tons of leader building charts on the net- I just do what works for me. This formula is great for turning over dries and fishing long leaders (up to 15')  over fussy trout. For bass and big game, I use a 3 step leader- butt- fairly large drop to the mid and tippet. The steps help protect the tippet- giving it a little more shock proofing. When bottom dredging for winter steel I lighten up the butt to promote getting down quicker. Some will tell you to just use straight tippet, but I like to use indies some of the time and I feel the thicker butt makes for a better connection and turn over. I can use a nailess nail knot to quickly attach to the flyline.  I grew up fly fishing, and that's what I do- lots will say I waste time and am stuck in my old ways. From my perspective, I have the right tool for the job, can build leaders right on the stream if needed, crafted to specific situations, and it saves some bucks. I use to buy kits- spools from .045 to 007 from Maxima and Rio, but they are hard to find now. I now  use  spools of Orvis Super Strong  bought on sale or discounted.
Take notice I make no claim that this is better than bought tapered leaders or I know anything useful- just relating what works for me. Now I'm going to grab my backpack and rod tube, get on a plane and disappear for a few weeks. Hope everyone has a great time on the river.

I'm right with you guys. I've been fly fishing since I was nine and for the most part always tied our own leaders. On heavier lines I start with a short but of 25 or 30... I then step it down according to what the conditions or targets are.... Charlie's explanation for finnicky trout on dries and sluggish steel in the winter are great examples. I myself have always been a maxima chameleon fan for the most part

I build my own and agree with Charlie with what he states.It's far cheaper than the factory built stuff and I feel the hand tied leader works better for me.
I use maxima chameleon for the butt material and various other flora types for mid sections and tippet.

I hit pineville and up today for a few hours and there were not alot of folks around and the fish were really spread out.   As usual not much to report on other than that.   I had one taker today for a quick in and off

troutbum21
Sure sign Fall is underway, acorns and hickory nuts are falling along my driveway.

We were getting bombed today walking down the trails, had one hit me in the nogin
 

Mr Chips wanted me to feel bad so he sent me this.
That's what I get for sticking a box of flies in the door handle of the Chipmobile!
Bill are you sure those flies will get you thru the run?
 

awesome db

What Life is all about right there..

cool db, i'm up tonight through sunday noonish

dimebrite2
Been real busy guys... thanks deux Bob for sharing the pic. I missed the coho run that came in that Sunday. I hit the forefront of it but had to leave. Hooked two beastly cohoes and a few kings in a late mornings effort. Jack too bad I missed ya. Will try to catch ya next week and hopefully some other folks will be around also... bear, I've still got your number ;)

Andy,Rich is getting there Sat and I'll be there Sun around 11sh.Hopefully the fishies will be getting into my secret spot by then,they were not there Wed AM. but then I got a report some were moving into there Wed PM.