Orvis Knot

The Orvis Knot was developed through a knot-tying contest held by the Orvis Company, one of the oldest and most respected names in fly fishing. The winning knot proved to be remarkably compact while retaining excellent strength, particularly on lighter diameter lines. Its small profile makes it a favorite among fly anglers who need a tidy connection that won’t spook wary trout in clear water. The knot seats cleanly against the hook eye and performs consistently across monofilament and fluorocarbon tippet materials, making it a versatile addition to any angler’s repertoire.

How to Tie

1. Thread the tag end of the line through the hook eye from underneath, pulling about six inches through.
2. Bring the tag end over the standing line to form a loop, then pass it under the standing line to create a figure-eight shape with two distinct loops.
3. Pass the tag end through the loop that is closest to the hook eye, entering from the top of the loop.
4. Wrap the tag end around and through that same loop a second time, following the same direction as the first pass.
5. Moisten the knot thoroughly with saliva or water to reduce friction and heat during tightening.
6. Pull the tag end to begin snugging the wraps, then pull the standing line steadily to slide the knot down against the hook eye.
7. Trim the tag end close to the knot, leaving roughly one-sixteenth of an inch to prevent slippage.

When to Use

• When fly fishing with light tippet material in the 4X to 7X range where a slim knot profile matters.
• When tying on small dry flies, nymphs, or emergers where bulky knots can interfere with the fly’s drift and presentation.
• When you need a quick, reliable terminal connection and want an alternative to the improved clinch knot.
• When fishing clear water where trout or panfish may be line shy and a low-profile knot helps reduce visibility.
• When using fluorocarbon tippet, which benefits from knots that seat smoothly without creating weak points.

Pro Tips

• The Orvis Knot performs best on lines under 12-pound test. On heavier monofilament, other knots like the Palomar may retain more strength due to the stiffness of thicker line affecting how the Orvis seats.
• Always make sure both passes through the loop travel in the same direction. Crossing them creates an uneven knot that will fail under pressure at a significantly lower breaking strength.
• When tightening, pull the standing line and tag end simultaneously at first, then finish by pulling only the standing line against the hook. This two-stage tightening ensures the wraps nest properly and the knot cinches evenly.
• Practice this knot at home before heading to the water. The figure-eight foundation can be confusing the first few attempts, but once the motion becomes muscle memory, you can tie it in seconds even in low-light conditions on the stream.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Very compact finished knot that sits neatly at the hook eye, ideal for small flies and light presentations.
• Quick to tie once learned, requiring only two passes through a single loop.
• Retains around 85% line strength when tied correctly, which is competitive with more complex knots.
• Uses minimal line material, leaving more usable tippet length between knots when re-tying frequently during a fishing session.

Cons:

• The figure-eight loop formation can be tricky for beginners to learn and may take several practice sessions to master.
• Not recommended for heavy lines above 15-pound test, as stiffer monofilament prevents the knot from seating properly.
• Less widely known than the clinch or Palomar knots, so finding on-the-water help or quick reference guides can be more difficult.
• Can slip if only one pass is made through the loop instead of the required two, making careful attention to the tying steps essential every time.