As you’ve already figured out, many folks who fly fish like to tell you what’s best and how much they know. But our recommendation is to avoid them and go fishing instead. Concerning knots, we know that not everyone one will agree. But our combined 98 years of fly fishing experience determined our list of knots you need to know.

1. Must Know
   • Improved Clinch
   • Surgeon’s Join Knot
2. Should Know
   • Nail Knot
   • Perfection Loop
   • Blood Knot
   • Arbor Knot

As you can see, we’ve created two categories: must-know and should-know. The must-know knots are those you can go fly fishing with a bit, knowing these only. For instance, my wife only knows the must’s, but then she always fishes with me. And I know all the should’s! Those should-know knots will make things a heck of a lot easier for you in the long run. So, learning them is definitely worth your while. In this blog, we’ll describe each knot and its usage, and provide a link for you to learn the knot for yourself.

Before I get into the actual knots, I must give credit to Animated Knots by Grog. It is the web’s #1 site for learning how to tie knots. I’ve been using this to learn and teach knots for over 25 years! Grog’s Animated Knots makes it easy to learn them all! Links to my recommendations are provided below.

1. Improved Clinch Knot

The “Clinch” is the essential knot to attach your fly to the leader or tippet. Additionally, it provides a good method of securing a fishing line to a hook, lure, or swivel. If someone tells you there’s something better, you’re in for trouble. Learn how to tie the improved clinch knot here.

2. Surgeon’s Join Knot

The Surgeon’s Join Knot, sometimes called the “Double Surgeon’s Knot”, is useful for attaching two similar (in diameter) materials. For example, adding some tippet to your leader. It’s simple and quick to learn!

3. Nail Knot

The nail knot is a fly fishing knot that we use to attach your backing to the fly line, and your fly line to your tippet. Learn how to tie it here.

You will need a small tool to tie this knot correctly, so don’t forget to grab one before you get started. You can also use a nail (as the name implies) or a small sipping straw in place of this tool, if you prefer.

4. Perfection Loop

The Perfection Loop Knot is the easiest way to make a small loop to connect the fly line and leader. Some manufactured fly lines and leaders come pre-tied these days, but there may come a time when you need to make your own Perfection Knot!

5. Blood Knot

Fly fishermen use the Blood Knot to attach leaders and tippet. You can also use it to tie your own leaders; many people prefer to do this because it makes a straighter leader than the Surgeon’s Loop. Blood knots are quite strong, and it takes some practice in order to tie quickly and accurately.

The more you use this knot, the more you’ll learn to like it. Learn how to tie the Blood Knot step-by-step here.

6. Arbor Knot

We use this knot for attaching the backing to the arbor of our reel. This is the simplest knot of the group and you won’t use it too often, but you will need it! Learn the arbor knot here.

Learn all the knots!

Want to learn more knots you should use while fly fishing? Check out Animated Knots’ Fishing page. They have an excellent guide we highly recommend if you’d like a bit more in-depth information about particular knots, and their uses and characteristics.

Happy tying!

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Hi, James!