hNt,

If the dropper is a fairly heavy bead head or weight wrapped fly, and you want to be down near or right at the bottom, then the flow rate of the water will determine how long you want the dropper. Fast water means the dropper will be raised up a bit. Even if it is drag free, which it should be, the resistance of the fly against the water will determine how deep the fly drops. A very light dropper will have a hard time getting down to the bottom in fast water, but an easier time in slow water while a heavy dropper will drop 'like a rock' in slow water and may not look right to the fish.

But, if the dropper is going to represent an emerger, then you don't want it down at the bottom and you can go as little as 6 inches to 18 inches under the dry fly. A very light dropper is handy in this case and it will drift just under the surface.

You can also use a second dry fly as a dropper, sometimes very effective. Either the same fly as the top fly or a different fly to match another hatch. These can be anywhere from 9 inches to 12 inches apart.

But you are right, no matter how hard you try, you will end up with tangles, count on it.

Larry ---sagefisher---