The Orvis Knot is one of the strongest, most reliable connections for securing a fly to a tippet. For anglers targeting everything from wary trout to powerful saltwater species, mastering this strong knot provides unwavering confidence that your connection won’t be the weak point in your system.
You’ve felt the take, the rod has gone tight, and then… nothing. The line goes slack. A failed knot is the most common culprit. The Orvis Knot was designed to prevent this exact scenario. It provides a straight-line connection and retains nearly all of your tippet’s original breaking strength.
This guide provides precise instructions, its definitive pros and cons, and a clear comparison to other similar knots to help you master this essential technique.
Orvis Knot: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Feed approximately six inches of your tippet’s tag end through the hook eye.
- Lay the tag end parallel to the standing line (mainline) and bring it back over the mainline to form a small loop (the first loop).
- Pass the tag end through this first loop. You have now created a loose figure-eight shape with the tag end emerging from the top of the loop.
- Wrap the tag end twice around the upper portion of the loop you just passed through.
- Moisten the knot with saliva or water. This step is critical to prevent friction damage that can weaken mono and fluorocarbon lines.
- Gently pull the tag end to cinch the wraps down into a tight, neat barrel. Do not pull it all the way to the eye of the hook yet.
- Finish by pulling the standing line firmly. This will slide the knot down and seat it securely against the hook eye.
- Trim the tag end, leaving about 1/8 inch.
Origin: The Orvis Company Contest
The knot is directly connected to the Orvis Company. In a search for the best knot to replace the venerable Improved Clinch, the company held a contest. The goal was to find a connection that was stronger, more compact, and just as reliable.
Fly fisher Larry Becker submitted the winning design. In his honor, it is sometimes called the Becker Knot, but its official name became the Orvis Knot. Its certified high strength and minimal profile make it a standout among fly fishing knots.
Orvis Knot vs. Other Common Knots
How does the Orvis Knot stack up against other terminal hook knots?
- Orvis Knot vs. Improved Clinch Knot
The Orvis Knot was designed specifically to beat the Improved Clinch. In head-to-head testing, the Orvis Knot is consistently stronger, retaining a higher percentage of the line’s breaking strength. It’s also more compact, creating a neater profile, which is especially important with small flies. Verdict: The Orvis Knot is superior. - Orvis Knot vs. Palomar Knot
The Palomar Knot is arguably the strongest and bestfishing knot for braided lines. It is simple and exceptionally reliable with braid. However, it can be slightly bulkier and more difficult to tie with tiny flies or hooks. For monofilament and fluorocarbon tippets, especially in the lighter pound tests used for troutfishing , the Orvis Knot is often preferred for its slim profile and comparable strength. Verdict: Palomar for braid; Orvis is an excellent knot for mono/fluoro. - Orvis Knot vs. Davy Knot
The Davy Knot is prized for being incredibly fast to tie and using very little tippet. It’s a simple slip knot variation. However, the standard Davy Knot is not as strong as the Orvis Knot. While there are stronger variations (like the Double Davy), the Orvis Knot provides a more secure and reliable connection overall. Verdict: Davy for speed; Orvis for maximum strength.
Orvis Knot Uses
While it’s a top-tier fly
- Tippet to Fly (Primary Use): Its #1 job. It is an excellent knot for attaching any size fly to monofilament or fluorocarbon tippet.
- Line to Hook/Lure: Perfect for conventional tackle when using mono or fluoro leaders.
- Leader to Swivel: Creates a strong, compact connection to a barrel swivel.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no single “strongest” knot for all applications. Strength depends on line type and purpose. For joining braid to a fluoro leader, the FG Knot is often considered the strongest. For a terminal knot using monofilament or fluorocarbon, the Orvis Knot is a top contender for the title, consistently testing at 95%+ of the line’s original strength.
Yes. For line-to-hook strength with mono or fluorocarbon, tests consistently show the Orvis Knot is stronger and more reliable than both standard and Improved Clinch knots.
The Improved Clinch knot is often considered the easiest for beginners to learn, which is why it’s so common. However, investing a little extra practice time to learn the Orvis Knot will pay off with fewer lost fish.
Professionals use the right knot for the specific job. For attaching flies to fluorocarbon or mono tippets, many pro fly fishers and guides rely on the Orvis Knot because of its proven strength and reliability. For other applications, they will use different knots like the Blood Knot (for joining two similar-diameter lines) or the Perfection Loop.
Yes. It is one of the strongest and most dependable terminal
