The first fly fishing knot you should learn is the Arbour knot which is used to connect the backing to the fishing reel. Then there is the nail knot, so called because you use a nail in the tying process, which is used to connect the backing to the fly line and the leader to the fly line. Two of the knots that can be used to tie the tippet to the leader are the blood knot or the double surgeon knot.

For tying the fly to the hook the new improved clinch knot works well. For all fly fishing knots, retie the knots before pulling them tight.  This will reduce the amount of friction as well as lubricating the surface of the line.  Whether the fish you catch are large or small, always retie your knots after reeling the fish in. After all, you don’t want to lose that next big one.