How to Tie Fly Line Knots

Fly fishing is a method of luring and catching fish that involves the use of often tiny imitations of insects and other natural bait. A long slender rod with reel is used to propel a fly line, leader, and tippet with fly attached forward and onto the water. Connecting the lines to the reel and to each other is achieved through the use of specialized knots. Learning to tie these knots is an essential part of fly fishing.

Things You'll Need

  • Fly reel
  • Fly line backing
  • Tippet
  • Fly
  • Scissors or snips
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Instructions

  1. Arbor Knot

    • 1

      Pull the free end of the fly line backing from a filler spool so that 6 to 8 inches extends past the spool of the fly reel.

    • 2

      Form a simple overhand loop with the free end of the backing line so that the loop passes around the main backing line. Do not tighten the loop down at this point.

    • 3

      Tie a second overhand loop below the first loop, this time using only the free end of the line.

    • 4

      Moisten both knots with saliva or water. Pull on the backing line to begin tightening the knots down against the spool of the reel.

    • 5

      Continue pulling the knots tight so that they lock securely against each other. Trim excess line from the free end of the knot with scissors or snips.

    Improved Clinch Knot

    • 6

      Attach a fly to the tippet with an Improved Clinch Knot. Form the knot by feeding 6 to 8 inches of the tippet line through the eye of a fishing fly.

    • 7

      Pull the free end of the tippet up beside the main line above the fly. Wrap the free end around the main line 6 to 8 times forming a small loop above the the eye of the fly.

    • 8

      Hold the wrapped line securely and turn the free end down toward the fly forming an elongated loop beside the wrapped line.

    • 9

      Feed the free end of the line through the small loop formed earlier above the eye of the fly and then through the elongated loop beside the wrapped line.

    • 10

      Moisten the knot and pull down securely against the fly eye. Trim excess line from the knot with scissors or snips.