How to Tie a Blood Knot

Producer: Tim Flagler

Tim Flagler demonstrates how to tie one of the most useful knots in fly fishing.   Although tying the blood knot well takes practice, you’ll never forget the steps once you’ve tied a few.  The blood knot is particularly helpful in tying together two pieces of tippet and in constructing leaders.

As Flagler explains: “The blood knot is probably best known for joining monofilament segments of varying lengths, diameters and breaking strengths to produce tapered leaders that turn over easily, allow a fly to gently land on the water’s surface and help to produce a drag free drift. The blood knot’s smooth, elongated shape enables it to slip easily through rod guides and keeps it from picking up slime or debris in the water.”