I must admit that I’ve been tying clinch knots incorrectly for several years, wondering why I kept losing flies and lures. I had forgotten to follow step 4: passing the tag end through the loop formed in step 2. To save you time, flies, and lures, don’t make the same mistakes I did. Follow this step-by-step guide and watch the video to perfect your technique of securing flies.
Never lose another fly from poorly tied clinch knots

Step-by-Step Instructions:
To tie a clinch knot, follow these steps:
- Feed the tippet through the eye of the fly, creating a U shape.
- Wrap the end of the line around the standing line 5-7 times.
- Take the end of the line and feed it through the small loop next to the fly eyelet, which was formed by the wraps.
- Next, feed the end of the line through the newly created loop.
- Now, the knot is formed, and you just need to cinch it up. Hold the end of the line and pull the standing line to tighten the knot.
By following these steps, you’ll successfully tie a clinch knot to securely attach your fly to the tippet.
Watch the embedded video below for a visual demonstration of how to tie the clinch knot:
With practice, you’ll enhance your proficiency in tying the clinch knot, setting yourself up for successful fly fishing adventures. Always remember to test the knot’s strength before casting and re-tie it if needed. Enjoy your journey into the world of fly fishing!
Now that you’ve mastered tying your first fly to your fly rod, it’s time to go fishing! Check out our blog post on “Reel in Family Fun: Nymph Fishing for Trout” and discover more tips and techniques for an enjoyable angling experience with your loved ones.