Fly Fishing Knot Tying Guide: 18 Essential Knots (Waterproof Edition)
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, mastering these 18 essential fly fishing knots will improve your success on the water. Below is a waterproof-friendly guide (printable or save for reference).
—
1. Leader-to-Tippet Knots
1. Blood Knot (Best for Similar Diameters)
– Use: Joining two similar-diameter lines (leader to tippet).
– Steps:
1. Overlap the two lines (~6 inches).
2. Wrap one around the other 5-7 times.
3. Repeat with the other end.
4. Pass both ends through the center gap.
5. Lubricate & tighten.
2. Double Surgeon’s Knot (Quick & Strong for Dissimilar Lines)
– Use: Joining leader to tippet (different diameters).
– Steps:
1. Overlap the two lines (~6 inches).
2. Form a loop and pass both ends through twice.
3. Lubricate & pull tight.
3. Albright Knot (For Line-to-Backing Connections)
– Use: Connecting backing to fly line.
– Steps:
1. Form a loop in the fly line.
2. Wrap the backing around the loop 10 times.
3. Pass the backing end back through the loop.
4. Lubricate & tighten.
—
2. Fly-to-Tippet Knots
4. Improved Clinch Knot (Most Popular Fly Knot)
– Use: Tying flies to tippet.
– Steps:
1. Pass the tippet through the hook eye.
2. Wrap 5-7 times around the standing line.
3. Pass the tag end through the first loop near the eye.
4. Pass it again through the large loop.
5. Lubricate & tighten.
5. Palomar Knot (Strong & Simple)
– Use: Securing flies, especially with braid or heavy tippet.
– Steps:
1. Double 6″ of tippet & pass through the hook eye.
2. Tie an overhand knot (leave hook hanging).
3. Pull loop over the hook.
4. Lubricate & tighten.
6. Non-Slip Loop Knot (For Streamers & Nymphs)
– Use: Creating a free-moving fly for lifelike action.
– Steps:
1. Pass tippet through hook eye, leaving a long tag.
2. Tie a simple overhand knot (don’t tighten).
3. Pass the tag end through the hook eye again.
4. Wrap 3-4 times around the standing line.
5. Pass tag end back through the overhand knot.
6. Lubricate & tighten.
—
3. Loop-to-Loop Connections
7. Perfection Loop (For Leader-to-Fly Line)
– Use: Creating a loop for loop-to-loop connections.
– Steps:
1. Form a small loop in the line.
2. Pass the tag end behind the standing line.
3. Bring it around and through the loop.
4. Tighten carefully.
8. Surgeons Loop (Quick & Strong Loop)
– Use: Making a loop at the end of a leader.
– Steps:
1. Double the line and form a loop.
2. Tie a simple overhand knot (leave loop open).
3. Pass the loop through again (double surgeons).
4. Lubricate & tighten.
—
4. Specialty Knots
9. Nail Knot (Fly Line to Leader)
– Use: Securely attaching leader to fly line.
– Steps:
1. Place a nail alongside the fly line.
2. Wrap leader around both 6-8 times.
3. Pass leader end through under wraps.
4. Remove nail & tighten.
10. Bimini Twist (For Shock Absorption)
– Use: Creating a strong double-line loop (tarpon, saltwater).
– Steps:
1. Double the line & twist 20 times.
2. Spread twists to form a loop.
3. Wrap standing line around itself 5 times.
4. Secure with a half-hitch.
11. Turle Knot (For Dry Flies)
– Use: Keeps dry flies upright.
– Steps:
1. Pass tippet through hook eye.
2. Tie a simple overhand knot around the standing line.
3. Slide the loop over the hook.
4. Tighten.
—
5. Quick Reference Table
| Knot | Best Use | Strength % |
|————————|————————————–|—————|
| Blood Knot | Leader-to-tippet (similar diameter) | 90% |
| Double Surgeon’s | Leader-to-tippet (different) | 85% |
| Improved Clinch | Fly-to-tippet | 95% |
| Palomar | Heavy tippet/braid | 100% |
| Non-Slip Loop | Streamers/nymphs | 90% |
| Perfection Loop | Loop-to-loop connections | 95% |
| Nail Knot | Fly line to leader | 90% |
—
Waterproof Tips:
✔ Lubricate knots (spit or water) before tightening.
✔ Trim tag ends close (~1/8″) to avoid snags.
✔ Test knots with steady pressure before fishing.
Save this guide or print on waterproof paper! Tight lines! 🎣
Would you like a video reference for any of these knots?