How to Tie Fly Knots

There are hundreds of knots. But you'll need only one strong knot to attach a fly to your leader and start casting. An improved clinch knot is a good universal knot that can be tied in a few seconds, once you get the hang of it. A knot breaks when it is not tied properly. Practice and gradual tightening are the keys to a strong knot.

Things You'll Need

  • Leader and/or tippet material
  • Nail clippers
  • Fly with hook attached
  • Magnifying glasses
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Instructions

    • 1
      Knots are typically tied several times during one fishing outing.

      Grip the tag end (tip of the leader) between your thumb and index finger. The standing end of the leader is the end that's connected to the fly line, which is connected to the reel. The tag end is where you are tying on the fly.

    • 2

      Thread the leader through the hook until you have a 6- to 8-inch tag end.

    • 3

      Wrap the tag end around the standing line four to six times in a descending spiral, rather than an overlapping wrap.

    • 4

      Pass the tag end back through the loop that was created at the eye of the hook. Tighten the knot at this point if you want a clinch knot. To finish tying the knot as an Improved Clinch Knot, continue with the remaining steps.

    • 5

      Bring the tag end back through the loop that lies alongside the wound leader line.

    • 6

      Pull on the tag end. Tighten gradually by pulling on the tag end while pushing the wound filament up toward the hook.

    • 7

      Put your mouth against the knotted line and use a liberal amount of spit while pressing the knot tighter.

    • 8

      Clip the tag end so that only a millimeter of leader line remains and the knot looks like a tiny, tight noose against the eye of the hook.