Tying a Dropper Loop Knot

If you want to use a cast (a fly line set up with more than one fly) you’re going to need to learn how to tie a dropper loop knot. The dropper loop knot is tied within the standing line and additional flies can be attached to these loops.  While the dropper loop knot may look complicated at first glance, it is actually a rather simple knot to form and it usually doesn’t take much time to learn this particular fly fishing knot.

To begin the dropper loop knot, select the place in the line where you want the dropper loop to be. Then form a loop in the line at that location, as shown in picture A.

Once you have formed your loop, pull the line from one side of the loop down and begin twisting it around that side of the loop, as shown in picture B below.

While you are twisting the line around that side of the loop, a new loop will be forming. Push the original loop through this second loop, as shown in pictures C & D below.

At this time, you will want to either have someone hold down the smaller loop (as shown in picture E below) or you will want to grasp the smaller loop between your teeth as you tighten the knot. Gently pull the line until the knot tightens and the loop is sticking out from the line (as shown in picture F below).

Once you have completed the dropper loop knot, you can attach a fly and if you would like, you can create additional dropper loop knots in different locations on the same line.