How to Tie Flies on a Dropper

Various methods are used to attach and rig flies for fishing. Based on the fish species and type of water, fly anglers attach flies to their line for presentation. Dry, wet, streamer and nymph flies are use by anglers to attract and catch different game fish species. A dropper rig is used to present two flies at the same time. The rig allows fly to be fished on the surface and another fly on or near the bottom.

Things You'll Need

  • Tippet material
  • Dry fly
  • Scissors
  • Nymph
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Instructions

    • 1

      Attach a dry fly to the end of the tippet on your fly rod. Use an improved clinch knot to attach the fly to the line. Tie the knot by feeding the working end of the tippet through the eye of the dry fly. Adjust the tippet so 6 inches of the line extends beyond the hook eye.

    • 2

      Pull the working end of the line up beside the main tippet length to form a double line. Wrap the working end around the main line six times to form a small loop above the eye of the fly.

    • 3

      Turn the working end down toward the fly to form an elongated loop beside the wrapped line. Feed the working end through the small loop above the hook eye and then through the elongated loop. Moisten the knot and pull it tight.

    • 4

      Cut a length of tippet line with scissors to use as a dropper. Determine the length of the dropper based on the water depth. Cut the dropper so the nymph will be presented just above the bottom of the stream or river. Add 1 foot to the dropper to allow for knot tying.

    • 5

      Attach one end of the dropper to the hook of the dry fly attached to the line. Use an improved clinch knot to tie the dropper to the bend of the hook.

    • 6

      Tie a nymph fly to the free end of the dropper with another improved clinch knot.