Orvis Knot
Orvis Knot
A clean, low-profile terminal knot popular with fly fishermen. Easy to tie and consistently strong — won the 1984 Field & Stream knot testing competition for breaking strength.
Video by Sportfishing Report on YouTube
About the Orvis Knot
The Orvis Knot is a modern terminal knot that won the Field & Stream knot testing competition in 1984. It's particularly popular with fly fishermen for attaching flies to tippet because it creates a clean, low-profile connection that doesn't obscure the fly's action.
Despite its simplicity — just four key steps — it consistently tests above 90% breaking strength and is remarkably fast to tie once learned. The knot works by creating a figure-8 loop at the eye before the final wrap, which locks the connection more effectively than standard clinch-style knots.
Best Used For
Ideal applications
- ✓ Fly fishing tippet to fly
- ✓ Light monofilament and fluorocarbon
- ✓ Small hooks where a low-profile knot matters
- ✓ Quick changes on the water
Not ideal for
- ✗ Braided line
- ✗ Heavy monofilament over 20 lb
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these 4 steps to tie the Orvis Knot. Watch the video above while following along.
Step 1: Thread and loop
Pass the tag end through the hook eye from front to back. Pull through 6 inches. Bring the tag end back toward the eye, forming a loop.
Step 2: Cross over and wrap
Cross the tag end over the standing line and pass it back through the loop from behind, creating a half-hitch around the standing line.
Step 3: Wrap twice around the upper loop
Pass the tag end through the loop you just created twice, wrapping around the upper portion of the knot.
Step 4: Wet and tighten
Wet the knot. Pull the tag end and standing line simultaneously to seat the wraps. The knot should slide smoothly against the hook eye. Trim the tag end close.
Pro Tips
- Keep the initial loop open while making the second wrap
- Wet before pulling — the knot seats much more cleanly when lubricated
- Two wraps through the loop is the key — not one
- Great for tippets as thin as 5X or 6X
Common Mistakes
- Only wrapping once through the loop instead of twice
- Closing the loop before completing both wraps
- Pulling the tag end without holding the loop steady
- Not wetting before seating