Tie a fly fishing knot
Edited by Rich, Maria Quinney, Eng, Izaya Orihara and 3 others
Instructions on How to Tie a Fly Fishing Knot
Fly fishing knots need not be complicated, but they can certainly seem so to a novice.
The basic connecting knots become simple with practice and understanding. This how-to outlines how to tie some of the basic fly fishing knots. The knots go in order from reel to fly.
How to tie an Arbor Knot
The Arbor knot connects the backing, which is the first section of filament, to the center of the reel, or reel arbor.
- 1First, pass the filament around the arbor.
- 2Pull the end of the line, which is now around the arbor, under the first line and tie an overhand knot.
- 3To tie an overhand knot, pull the end of the line underneath the lead-in line.
- 4Then bring the end around the lead-in line and across the top of itself.
- 5Finally, pass the end of the line under the earlier loop.
- 6Bring the end up through the loop, back above itself, and tighten by pulling it through.
- 7Tie a second overhand knot with the end line around itself.
- 8You'll pull the first line away from the knot to tighten it around the arbor.The first knot needs to be tightened against the arbor.
How to tie an Albright Knot
The Albright Knot is a strong, durable knot which connects the fly line to the backing.
- 1Place both ends of each line next to each other.
How to tie a Nail Knot
The Nail knot is attaches the fly line to the leader line. This knot was originally completed with a nail, but a straw is much more convenient.
- 1Arrange the fly line and the leader line next to each other.
- 2Then pull the leader line at a 90 degree downward.Pull the leader line over, the fly line, and then under.
- 3Place a straw along the fly line and on top of the downward facing leader line.
- 4Pass the leader line up and then under the fly line and the straw.
- 5Make six complete loops up and under the line and straw.
- 6On the final loop, pass the line over then under the lines and through the straw.
- 7Pull the leader line to tighten the know, the straw should slide right out of the loops.
- 8Tighten the lines and clip the ends.
How to tie a Surgeons Knot
A Surgeon's knot attaches the tippet to the leader line.
- 1This knot is created with both lines at the same time.The leader and the tippet are placed side-by-side.
- 2Loop both lines up then under and through each other to create one large loop.
- 3This is essentially an overhand knot with more loops.Repeat this loop twice.
- 4Pull the ends and lines to tighten.
- 5Clip the excess line from each end.
How to tie an Improved Clinch Knot
Finally, an Improved Clinch Knot is tied in order to connect the eyelet of the fly lure with the tippet line.
- 1Pass the tippet through the eyelet of the hook, and then over itself to form a loose loop.
- 2Wrap the end up and around the line five times.
- 3Pull the end down and pass it through the initial loop close to the eyelet.
- 4Pass the end under the downward loop that was just created.
- 5Tighten the line by pulling the end and clip the excess.
Tips Tricks & Warnings
- Moisten the line before starting. Wetting the lines before tying creates a tighter knot.
If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.
