A lot of anglers out there use a clinch knot for everything. And while that’ll get you by, it’s by no means the best way to fish effectively. Each knot shines in its own way, and the unique properties of each can be used tactically to be a more successful angler. I’m here to break it down as simply as possible.
These knots are categorized based on their purpose: attaching a fly, connecting tippet to leader, or creating a loop-to-loop connection.
🔗 Knots for Attaching Fly to Tippet
1. Clinch Knot
It’s quick, easy to tie, and reliable. The clinch knot is the one most of us picture when we think of a “fisherman’s knot.” The small barrel shape is unobtrusive and gets the job done in most scenarios when you need to attach a fly to your tippet.
I personally prefer the classic clinch over the “improved” version — it’s easier to tie and may even be slightly stronger. Rio Products did a great video comparing knot strength that backs this up.
This knot is almost as easy as the clinch, but it gives your fly more freedom of movement than any other knot. I reach for this one when fishing streamers and nymphs, especially when I want the fly to swing or drift naturally.
3. Turle Knot
A recent favorite of mine — the Turle knot has been a go-to for diehard steelheaders tying traditional wet flies for decades. It’s small, strong, and quick to tie.
What makes it unique is that your tippet exits straight out of the hook eye, whether it’s upturned or downturned. Just remember to thread your tippet in the same direction as the eye: up through the up-eye, or down through the down-eye.
I’ve started using this knot for dry flies as well — it really helps with proper fly alignment.
Garoutte Hitch Variation:
A twist on the Turle used for skating steelhead flies or “skittering” caddis dries. Tie a Turle as usual, but thread your tippet up through a down-eye hook. This forces your fly to ride higher and carve a nice V-wake on the surface — no riffle hitch needed.
🧵 Knots for Connecting Tippet to Leader
4. Blood Knot
The blood knot has a reputation for being hard to tie — but it just takes practice. It’s not complicated, just a bit more dexterity-intensive.
This is my go-to when connecting leader sections of similar diameter (within ~.003”). When tied properly, it creates a smooth, strong barrel that passes cleanly through your guides and doesn’t snag easily.
If I’m building a leader from scratch, I’m tying blood knots.
The surgeon’s knot is faster and easier to tie than the blood knot, and it handles dissimilar diameter materials better. That said, it’s a bit bulkier and can snag in the guides or on the bottom.
If you’re fishing a dropper off the tag end, tie it from the bottom tag.
An underrated alternative to the surgeon’s knot. I use this one quite a bit — it’s a bit smoother and more refined for the type of fishing I do.
If you’re nymphing with a dropper, tie your second fly off the top tag. The stiffness of the tippet helps kick the fly away from your other nymph, reducing tangles.
🔄 Knots for Loop-to-Loop Connections
The go-to for creating small, strong loops in leaders or backing. Use it for a clean loop-to-loop connection with your fly line.
Pro tip: Keep the loop small. Oversized loops create slack and reduce sensitivity.
The Albright is perfect for connecting fly line to backing, or for attaching a leader to fly line when no welded loops are present.
I use this knot when welded loops break or when I’m using a line that doesn’t come with one. A dab of super glue on the finished knot keeps water out of the fly line core and helps it glide smoothly through guides.
⚠️ Just remember: The Albright works best when one material (like mono) can “bite” into the other (like fly line). It’s not ideal for mono-to-mono connections.
🎣 Final Thoughts: Know Your Knots
Knowing how to tie reliable knots is one of the foundations of being an effective fly angler. Practice at home until you can tie them without thinking — it’ll pay off when you’re knee-deep in the water with the wind blowing and fish rising.
Try different knots in different scenarios, and see what fits your style of fishing. Tie better knots, and you’ll land more fish. Scout’s honor.
– T
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