Davy Knot

Terminal tackle Beginner

Davy Knot

One of the fastest terminal knots to tie. Favored by competition fly anglers for its speed and reliability. Mastered once, the Davy Knot can be tied in under 10 seconds.

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About the Davy Knot

The Davy Knot is renowned for being one of the fastest terminal knots to tie — competition fly anglers have been clocked tying it in under 10 seconds. Developed by Davy Wotton, a Welsh fly fishing champion, it uses a single pass around the standing line for a knot that tests at 85-90% line strength.

While it's not quite as strong as the Improved Clinch or Palomar, the Davy Knot's speed makes it invaluable for competition fishing where you're racing the clock between releases.

Best Used For

Ideal applications
  • ✓ Competition fly fishing where speed matters
  • ✓ Light tippet to small fly patterns
  • ✓ Quick terminal changes on the water
Not ideal for
  • ✗ Heavy mono over 15 lb
  • ✗ Braided line
  • ✗ Maximum-strength applications

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these 5 steps to tie the Davy Knot. Watch the video above while following along.

Step 1: Thread through the eye

Pass 5 inches of tippet through the hook eye from back to front.

Step 2: Form a loop

Bring the tag end behind the standing line and back to form a small loop near the eye.

Step 3: Pass through the loop

Pass the tag end through the loop from front to back.

Step 4: Pull over the loop

Bring the tag end back over the entire knot — over both the loop and the standing line.

Step 5: Wet and seat

Wet the knot. Pull the standing line firmly to seat the knot against the eye. Trim the tag end very short.

Pro Tips

  • The knot is very small — use magnification for light tippet
  • Pull firmly to seat — a half-seated Davy Knot will slip
  • Trim the tag end extremely close — it's part of the knot's security
  • For extra security on larger hooks, use the Double Davy variation

Common Mistakes

  • Not pulling firmly enough to fully seat
  • Leaving a long tag end — it must be trimmed close
  • Using on heavy mono where the knot is too small to grip

Frequently Asked Questions

The Davy Knot is recommended for Mono, Fluoro. One of the fastest terminal knots to tie. Favored by competition fly anglers for its speed and reliability. Mastered once, the Davy Knot can be tied in under 10 seconds.

The Davy Knot retains approximately 90% of the line's breaking strength when tied correctly. Always wet the knot before tightening to maintain maximum strength.

An experienced angler can tie the Davy Knot in about 10 sec. Beginners may take longer at first, but with practice you'll be tying it without thinking.

The Davy Knot is rated as a beginner-friendly knot — easy to learn and reliable for new anglers.

The Davy Knot is ideal for: Competition fly fishing where speed matters, Light tippet to small fly patterns, Quick terminal changes on the water. See the full guide for more applications.

Both serve similar purposes but differ in technique and ideal applications. See the Davy Knot guide and the Double Davy Knot guide to compare strength, speed, and ideal line types.

Related Knots

Double Davy Knot
View guide
Orvis Knot
View guide
Improved Clinch Knot
View guide
Free Guide
Includes video tutorial
Strength: 90% · compare
Tying time: 10 sec
Level: Beginner
Type: Terminal tackle
Steps: 5
Watch on YouTube Browse All Knots
Best line: Mono, Fluoro

Quick Reference

Step 1 Thread through the eye
Step 2 Form a loop
Step 3 Pass through the loop
Step 4 Pull over the loop
Step 5 Wet and seat