How to Tie a Fly to a Tapered Line

Fly anglers use a variety of flies to attract and catch fish such as trout. Dry flies, including attractors and terrestrials, wets, streamers and nymphs, are all attached to a tapered leader. The leader is tied to the end of the fly line to provide a transition from the larger fly line to the fly. A specific knot is used to tie flies to the tippet. The knot is specifically designed for use with monofilament and fluorocarbon lines to hold flies securely in place.

Things You'll Need

  • Tippet line
  • Fishing fly
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Feed six inches of the tapered leader through the eye of the fly.

    • 2

      Pull the end of the leader up above the fly and beside the main leader.

    • 3

      Wrap the end of the leader around the main leader six times to form a small loop above the eye of the fly .

    • 4

      Hold the wraps in place and turn the free end of the leader down toward the fly. This forms an elongated loop beside the wrapped line.

    • 5

      Feed the end of the tapered leader line through the small loop above the fly eye. Bring the end of the line through the elongated loop beside the wrapped line.

    • 6

      Moisten the knot with water or saliva and pull tight against the eye of the fly. Trim any excess line extending from the knot with scissors.