11 Fly Fishing Knots: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide On How To Tie Knots

Fly fishing knots – we all know what they are, but few know the variations and techniques for each.

Every avid fisherman knows the importance of mastering fishing knots; after all, it can be a deciding factor between catching a fish and letting one slip between your fingers.

We at Uncharted Wilds have identified our 11 favorite fly fishing knots.

Each knot has its unique purpose and technique. So, let’s explore these 11 fishing knots, providing applications of what they are best suited for and a step-by-step guide to tying each one.

Surgeon’s Knot

Best For:

The Surgeon’s knot is ideal for connecting two lines of slightly different sizes. It’s your go-to for tippet-to-leader connections.

Step-By-Step Guide:

1. Place the two line ends over each other, overlapping by several inches.

2. Form a loop with the overlapped lines.

3. Pass both ends of the lines through the loop twice.

4. Moisten the knot and pull all four ends tight.

Blood Knot

Best For:

Perfect for tying two sections of monofilament at similar diameters. You mostly use the blood knot for building tapered fly fishing leaders.

Step-By-Step Guide:

1. Overlap the ends of the two lines.

2. Twist one line around the other five times.

3. Repeat with the other end, twisting in the opposite direction.

4. Slowly pull the lines in opposite directions to tighten, moisten for ease.

Barrel Backing Knot

Best For:

Ideal for when you want to attach backing to the reel spool. This ensures your line stays put during those intense bass fishing sessions.

Step-By-Step Guide:

1. Wrap the backing around the reel spool.

2. Tie a simple overhand knot around the standing part of the line.

3. Tie a second overhand knot at the end of the backing.

4. Pull on the standing line to slide the first knot towards the spool, then pull both ends to tighten.

Perfection Loop Knot

Best For:

The perfection loop creates a strong, reliable loop at the end of your leader or tippet. Being a perfectionist, I love the neatness and ease of connecting the fly and leader utilizing this knot.

Step-By-Step Guide:

1. Make a loop with the line.

2. Bring a loop through the first loop.

3. Lay the tag end across both loops.

4. Pull the second loop through the first loop while holding the tag end.

5. Wet the knot and tighten by pulling the standing line.

Arbor Knot

Best For:

If you want to secure your fishing line to the reel arbor, this is the knot to use. It’s simple but incredibly effective.

Step-By-Step Guide:

1. Wrap your line around the reel arbor.

2. Tie an overhand knot around the standing line.

3. Tie a second overhand knot at the tag end of the line.

4. Pull the standing line to slide the first knot down to the reel and tighten both knots.

Albright Knot

Best For:

Similar to the double uni knot, the Albright knot is best for when you want to connect different types or diameters of fishing lines. For instance, connecting a fly line to backing or a leader to the fly line.

Step-By-Step Guide:

1. Form a loop in the heavier line.

2. Insert the lighter line through the loop.

3. Wrap the lighter line around itself and the loop 10 times.

4. Pass the end back through the loop.

5. Moisten and pull both ends to tighten.

Nail Knot

Best For:

When you want to attach fly line to leader or add a leader to a fly without a loop.

Step-By-Step Guide:

1. Using a nail knot tool, place a small tube or nail against the end of the fly line.

2. Lay the leader’s tag end over the tube and line.

3. Wrap the tag end around both the tube and the fly line 6-8 times.

4. Pass the tag end back through the tube.

5. Remove the tube and make the knot tight by pulling both ends.

Palomar Knot

Best For:

Tying a hook to a fishing line. The Palomar knot is known for its strength. I recommend this knot if you want to do some saltwater fly fishing.

Step-By-Step Guide:

1. Double about 6 inches of line and pass it through the eye of the hook.

2. Tie a simple overhand knot with the doubled line, leaving the hook hanging loose.

3. Pull the end of the loop down, passing it completely over the hook.

4. Wet the knot and pull both the main line and the tag end to tighten.

Davy Knot

Best For:

When you’re in a rush and need a quick and efficient attachment of your fly to the tippet.

Step-By-Step Guide:

1. Pass the end of the tippet through the eye of the fly.

2. Tie a simple overhand knot with enough room to pass the fly through.

3. Pass the fly through the loop of the overhand knot.

4. Tighten by pulling on both the fly and the standing part of the tippet.

Improved Clinch Knot

Best For:

A general and reliable knot that you use to secure your fishing line to a hook, lure, or swivel.

Step-By-Step Guide:

1. Pass the line through the eye of the hook or lure.

2. Twist the tag end around the standing line 5-7 times.

3. Pass the tag end through the small loop nearest the eye, then through the large loop formed.

4. Wet and pull the tag end to tighten the knot.

Non-Slip Loop Knot

Best For:

Perfect for streamers and nymphs, the non-slip loop knot creates a loop that allows your lures and flies to move freely.

Step-By-Step Guide:

1. Make an overhand knot in the line, leaving a tag end.

2. Pass the tag end through the eye of the lure or hook and back through the loop of the overhand knot.

3. Wrap the tag end around the standing line 4-5 times.

4. Pass back through the overhand knot loop.

5. Wet and tighten by pulling both the tag and the standing line.

Some Common Fly Fishing Knot Questions

What Is The Best Knot For Fly Fishing?

The best knot for fly fishing, and the one I use the most often, is the Improved Clinch Knot.

It’s easy to learn and offers incredible versatility and strength, making it ideal for securing a line to a hook.

What is the Best Knot Tool for Fly Fishing?

A leatherman or a pair of surgical scissors can be a lifesaver in the water.

These two tools can help with general knots, but you’ll need a nail knot tool if you want to tie tricky knots when you don’t have assistance.

What is the Best Knot for Tippet to Leader?

The Surgeon’s knot is the best knot for tying a tippet to a leader.

This knot is especially useful when the lines differ in diameter. It’s easy to tie and very strong, ensuring a smooth transition from your leader to the tippet.

How Do You Tie a Fly to a Tippet?

To tie a fly to your tippet, use the Davy Knot.

It’s simple to tie and maintains a high level of strength, even after continued use.

What is the Best Knot to Tie a Dry Fly?

For dry flies, I use the Improved Clinch knot.

It’s straightforward, strong, reliable, and, most importantly, ensures my fly presents perfectly in the water (imitates the natural behavior of real insects).

Presentation is key in fly fishing, as the quality of your presentation will determine how easy it is to trick the fish into biting your flies.

Presentation depends on various factors, such as casting your fly rod, types of flies used, lines, etc.

What is the Strongest Knot for Backing to Fly Line?

The strongest knot for connecting backing to the fly line is the Albright Knot.

It’s fairly easy to tie and is renowned for its strength and ability to join different types of lines.

Conclusion

There you have it, folks – 11 essential fly fishing knots will surely up your fishing game.

Each knot has its unique strengths and purpose. Remember, practice makes perfect, so grab a chair and your fly fishing gear!

Ultimately, the right knot can make the difference between a caught fish and one that got away!