How do I Tie Knots for Fly Fishing?

fishing fly image by Bruce MacQueen from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Throughout the years, certain knots have become commonly associated with fly-fishing. Knots specifically designed to attach backing to a fly reel, line to backing and leader to line are commonly used by fly anglers. Just as important are the knots used to connect a fly to the end of your tippet. Choosing and correctly tying the right knot are important in ensuring the connection is strong and the knot can hold up to the extra stress of a hooked fish.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Improved Clinch Knot

Things You’ll Need:

Tippet line
Fly
Scissors

Step 1

Feed 4 to 5 inches of the free end of the fishing line through the eye of the fly. Pull the free end up beside the main line. Wrap the free end around the main line six times, forming a small loop above the eye of the hook.

Step 2

Hold the wrapped line in place and turn the free end down toward the fly, forming a long loop beside the wrapped lines.

Step 3

Feed the free end of the line through the small loop above the eye of the fly. Pull the line through but do do not tighten down the long loop beside the wrapped line.

Step 4

Turn the free end of the line to the side and feed it through the long loop formed beside the main line. Moisten the knot and slowly pull it down tight.

Step 5

Trim the free end of the line extending from the knot with a pair of scissors. Cut the line so that no more than 1/8 inch extends from the knot.

Nonslip Mono Loop

Step 1

Form a simple overhand loop in the line 4 to 5 inches from the free end of the line. Feed the free end of the line through the eye of the hook.

Step 2

Pull the line through the eye of the fly and then up and through the overhand loop you formed. Adjust the line so that a dime-size loop is formed around the eye of the fly hook. Do not pull the line or loop down tight at this point.

Step 3

Hold the line at the point where it passes through the overhand loop. Wrap the free end of the line around the main line five to six times. Turn the free end down and pass it through the overhand loop.

Step 4

Pull the knot down tight, slowly making adjustments to the loop around the eye of the fly as you go. Moisten the knot with water or saliva and finish pulling the knot down tight.

Step 5

Trim excess line extending from the knot with a pair of scissors. Trim the free end of the line to within 1/8 inch from the knot.

Article Written By Keith Dooley

Keith Dooley has a degree in outdoor education and sports management. He has worked as an assistant athletic director, head coach and assistant coach in various sports including football, softball and golf. Dooley has worked for various websites in the past, contributing instructional articles on a wide variety of topics.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...