Fly Fishing Knots: How to Tie a Perfection Loop

Why use a perfection loop?

A classic fly fishing knot, the perfection loop has numerous applications on the water. Most commonly you’ll use it to connect backing to your fly line or to put a loop on the end of your leader to connect it to your fly line if you prefer the loop-to-loop connection method. (Pro-tip: loop-to-loop connection makes changing out leaders quick and simple; for a more streamlined connection method, however, try a nail knot and butt section.)

Tying a perfection loop:

We like to approach this knot as a “Circle-8” using the steps below:

1. Start by forming two loops in the shape of an “8”. For the first loop, run the tip or your line under the rest of the line. For the second loop, bring the tip up over the top of the main line.
2. Run the tip underneath the center of the “8”.
3. Fold the tip up over the top of the center of the “8”.
4. Fold the bottom loop (loop 2) up and run it through the top loop.
5. Pull the loop you just put through the top loop and the tag end at the same time, cinching it down while lubricating.
6. Trim off the tag end, and you're done.

Scott Joyner, founder of Montana Casting Company, demonstrates in the video below: 

Questions? Comments? How-to requests? Drop them in the section below or contact us at gethookedup@montanacastingco.com.