I’ve Guided Hundreds in Montana—Here Are the Fly Fishing Knots I Trust Every Day

If you’re planning to go fly fishing in Montana—and I mean really fish it, with your feet in the water and your line dancing on a big western river—you’re going to want a guide who keeps things practical, honest, and dialed in. That’s what I do. And today, I want to talk knots.

Yep, knots.

Not flashy, not glamorous, but absolutely critical. I’ve guided hundreds of anglers out here, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that a good knot can make the difference between landing that brown trout of a lifetime and coming up empty.

So here are the fly fishing knots I use every single day on the water—and why they matter when you’re fly fishing in Montana.

Why Knots Actually Matter (Even More Than You Think)

Let’s just call it like it is—knots are the unsung heroes of a successful day. You can have a killer cast, the perfect fly, and be standing knee-deep in prime water, but if your knot fails? Game over.

In Montana’s rivers—where fish are strong and the currents don’t play nice—you need reliability. And when I’m guiding clients, I don’t want to be thinking about whether their line’s going to hold. I want them to be in the moment, not worrying about technical stuff.

My Go-To: The Improved Clinch Knot (aka The Fisherman's Knot)

Okay, I’ll start with the knot I use most: the improved clinch knot. Some folks just call it the fisherman’s knot—it’s simple, fast, and reliable. I use it all the time to tie the tippet to the fly.

Why this one? Because it works. And because when you’re guiding someone new to fly fishing, they need something they can learn in two minutes, not twenty. It’s also easy to tie with cold hands, which, let’s face it, you’ll have on some Montana mornings.

Now, I will say—not every fly or situation calls for it, but if I had to pick one knot to use forever, this might be the one.

The Blood Knot: For Joining Tippets and Leaders of Similar Size

Next up is the blood knot. I use this whenever I’m connecting two lines of similar diameter—like when I’m building or repairing a leader setup.

It’s one of those knots that looks trickier than it is. And again, it’s about what works. In Montana’s clear water, with smart fish and technical presentations, you want your leader to turn over clean and your knots to be tidy. The blood knot gives you that nice, even transition without a bulky mess.

The Surgeon’s Knot: When You’re Working with Uneven Line Sizes

Now, if you’re dealing with tippets or leaders of different sizes—let’s say you’re going from a 3X down to a 5X—then I go to the surgeon’s knot.

It’s way more forgiving than the blood knot when your line diameters don’t match up. It’s also super quick to tie. I’ve shown this knot to so many clients streamside, and it clicks instantly. You don’t have to overthink it, which is nice when you’re focused on reading water and spotting fish.

The Needle Knot: My Favorite for Line-to-Leader Connections

This one’s a bit more specialized, but I love it: the needle knot (or nail knot, depending on how you tie it). I use it to attach the butt end of a leader to the fly line.

Why this one? Well, it creates a smooth connection that slides through the guides without catching. That’s critical when you’re landing a fish and your leader’s halfway up the rod. I’ll be honest—this one takes a little more finesse, but I’ll happily tie it for you on the boat or at the lodge. It’s worth the extra care.

Personally, the needle knot’s my favorite. It just feels clean and solid. There’s something satisfying about it.

"Do I Need to Learn All These?"

Short answer: No, not before your trip. That’s what I’m here for. But if you’re curious or like learning hands-on stuff, I’ll show you each one when it’s relevant.

We’re not out here trying to pass a knot-tying exam—we’re trying to have a good time, catch some fish, and maybe learn something along the way.

If you’re a beginner, I’ll focus on teaching you just what you need to feel confident. If you’re more experienced and want to nerd out about leader design or knot strength, I’m all for that too.

Final Thoughts from the Riverbank

There are a lot of fancy knots out there, and YouTube will give you 50 options for tying tippet to fly. But in my experience—on Montana’s rivers, guiding real people, in real conditions—these four knots are the ones that matter most.

The right knot means fewer headaches, more fish in the net, and more time enjoying the water. And when you come out on a fly fishing tour in Montana, you don’t need to bring any knot expertise—just bring your curiosity, your sense of adventure, and maybe a willingness to get your hands a little cold.

I’ll handle the knots. You handle the fish.

Ready to hit the water? I’d love to guide you through Montana’s rivers and show you firsthand how these knots—and a little local knowledge—can make your fly fishing trip unforgettable.

Let’s go fish.

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