Orvis Knot
Best Used For
Small yet very strong knot to attach a hook to a line. Popular in fly fishing applications.
About the Orvis Knot
The Orvis Knot is a compact, incredibly strong knot that's become a favorite among fly fishers and finesse anglers. Despite its small profile, it retains an impressive 95% of the line's original strength. The knot was developed and popularized by the Orvis Company and has proven itself in countless fishing situations where a small, strong connection is critical.
Best Line Types: Monofilament and fluorocarbon (especially effective with lighter tippets)
Knot Strength: Retains approximately 95% of the line's original strength
When to Use: Perfect for fly fishing, small hooks, finesse presentations, and any situation where knot bulk could spook fish.
Compact Advantage: Smaller profile than most knots while maintaining exceptional strength - ideal for clear water and wary fish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Pass through hook eye: Thread the line through the hook eye and bring back about 6 inches.
- Pass through again: Pass the tag end through the hook eye a second time, creating a small loop.
- Wrap through loop: Pass the tag end up through the small loop you just created.
- Wrap around standing line: Wrap the tag end around the standing line 2-3 times.
- Back through loop: Pass the tag end back down through the small loop near the hook eye.
- Wet and tighten: Moisten the knot and pull both ends to tighten slowly and evenly.
- Trim excess: Cut the tag end close to the knot.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
✓ Pro Tips
- • Incredibly strong for such a small knot
- • Perfect for fly fishing and finesse presentations
- • Excellent with lighter tippets and small hooks
- • Less bulk means less chance of spooking fish
- • Developed by Orvis for reliability
⚠ Common Mistakes
- • Not passing through hook eye twice initially
- • Too many wraps around standing line
- • Not keeping the small loop open while tying
- • Pulling too hard during final tightening
- • Using with very heavy lines (better for lighter lines)
Video Tutorial
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