Fly Fishing for Beginners

Basic Fishing Knots for Beginner Fly Fishermen

7/13/2017 10 minutes

Testing Knots

Sometimes it pays to test a knot until it breaks. This will show you first hand the real strength of your knot before you put it to use, and shows which of your knots are strongest, and what knots you need to work on.

This article will take a closer look at 6 popular and trusted knots. Spend time learning how to tie them properly and practice tying them and you will see your catch rate improve!

Knots to Know

The Half Blood Knot

The Uni Knot

Lefty's Loop

Joining Knots

A joining knot is used to tie two pieces of a line together, or to join two lines. Below are two common joining knots: The Double Uni Knot, and the Albright Knot.

The Double Uni Knot

The Albright Knot

Dropper Loop Knot

Used to attach sinkers, or other terminal tackle items to the end of your line. Dropper Loop Knots like the Surgeon’s Loop can be incredibly useful. The surgeon’s loop described here is arguably the simplest of all dropper or loop knots and is reasonably strong if tied correctly.

Surgeon's Knot End Loop

Conclusion

If tied correctly, a knot can be the difference between a great catch on your next fishing trip, and yet another story to tell your kids of the one that got away. Hopefully, this article has shown you the importance of a well-tied knot, and has introduced you to some of the most successful knots being used today.

Source: Tying the Knot: Fishing's Critical Connections. FIX.com. Feb 2017.

Destinations

Ennis Montana

(2)

This is a small town with a big heart, a veritable fisherman’s paradise. Located near the fish-filled Madison River, and surrounded by the waters of Ennis Lake, the Ruby River, Hebgen ... moreLake, Quake Lake, Henry’s Lake, the Big Hole River and scores of smaller streams, the town boasts what many consider the best trout fishing in the world. As well known for its wranglers as its anglers, Ennis has succeeded in maintaining the look and feel of its original, gold town roots. Warm and hospitable, the area offers a wide variety of accommodations ranging from simple campsites, rustic motels and gracious hotels, to full-service, luxury resorts. Fly shops are numerous, stocked by local experts ready to advise and assist, while guides can be booked for trips throughout the area.

Boredom is the only thing unavailable in Ennis. Throughout the summer season the city hosts a series of events, including its renowned 4th of July Celebration Parade and a genuine, old-fashioned rodeo. In August, fly-fishing luminaries from around the US, flock to Montana to compete in the Madison Fly Fishing Festival. Athletes also find their way to Ennis to compete in the city’s Madison Trifecta, two shorter races followed by a full Marathon at 9000 feet, the highest elevation run in America. For the true sportsman, October falls in with the annual Hunter’s Feed. What’s caught, typically elk, moose deer, pheasant and bobcat, gets cooked on the streets and served up to hungry spectators.

Flanked by three grand mountain ranges, The Tobacco Root, Gravelly and Madison, Ennis is scenic and entertaining – truly an authentic, fly fisher’s haven.

Trips:

4 Days 4 Rivers Fly Fishing Package in Montana

Float Trip on the Yellowstone River with Zach Neville Outfitters

Float Trip on the Upper Madison River with Zach Neville Outfitters

All 61 Fishing Trips

Fishing Waters:

Gallatin River Fishing Report

Ruby River Fishing Report

Jefferson River Fishing Report

All 6 Fishing Water Reports

Destination Blogs:

Learning to Fly Fish in Montana

Fly Fishing Packing Check List for Montana

Perfect Day Fly Fishing: the Gardens at Ennis Montana

All 15 Blog Posts

Fishing Waters

Madison River Fishing Report

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The Madison River is arguably one of the best trout fishing rivers in all of southwest Montana, if not the entire world! It’s certainly the most talked over, written up and frequented ... morein the state of Montana – which is considered by some the capital of fly fishing. Anglers will find plenty of great access sites to wade or float along the Madison’s banks and reservoirs (including Hebgen Lake and Ennis Lake). Rainbows, browns, cutthroats, and more abound in this majestic fishing stream.

The Madison begins its course almost twenty miles into Yellowstone National Park. Within the Park, fishing rules apply: no live bait and catch and release only. Once outside the Park the river meanders past working ranches, stately conifer forests and cottonwood lined banks, interrupted by riffles and quiet runs that contain large rainbow and trophy brown trout. Flowing alongside Yellowstone’s West entrance road, the river enters Hebgen Lake, created by Hebgen dam, until it reaches Quake Lake, a bit downstream from the dam. At this point the river is commonly called either the Upper Madison or the Lower Madison, although in fact, they are one and the same.

Upper Madison – Quake Lake to Ennis Lake
Directly below Quake Lake the river roars into 5 long miles of Class V whitewater with steep gradients and large boulders along the way. As the rapids decline, the magic begins. For the next 53 miles, often referred to as the 50 Mile Riffle, the cold river runs north and the fish jump high. Annual runs of spawning trout make their way from Hebgen Lake, rainbows in the spring and browns in the fall. Known the world over for its “hard fighting” trout, it’s not unusual to pull a 25” brown from these upper waters. In deference to the purists and fly-fishing enthusiasts, it’s wading only from Quake Lake to Lyons Bridge. Boats may be used to access the river, but if you’re going to fish, your feet must be on the riverbed. Fortunately, the Hebgen Dam releases water throughout the year, leveling its flows and relieving it of spring runoff issues and summer shrinkage.

Lower Madison – Ennis Lakes to Three Forks
A short section of the river between Ennis Dam and the power station maintains relatively low water levels and provides wonderful opportunities for wading. Past the power station the river regains its muscle and for 7 miles winds through Bear Trap Canyon. Hiking trails offer the only entry, great for those that like to walk and seek the solitude of a designated wilderness area. Floating is permitted but requires a lengthy shuttle and the ability to work through Class III-IV whitewater. Once out of the canyon the river flows in shallow riffles until it reaches Three Forks and joins the Missouri. From Warm Springs to Greycliff, the river is easily accessible for drifters and wading.

Game Fish Opportunities:

Guide Reports:

Madison River Fishing Report

Up to Date Fishing Report for Madison River September

Hot Weather and Great Fishing - Madison River Report

All 29 Guide Fishing Reports

Fishing Trips:

4 Days 4 Rivers Fly Fishing Package in Montana

Float Trip on the Upper Madison River with Zach Neville Outfitters

Float Trip on the Lower Madison River with Zach Neville Outfitters

All 31 Fishing Trips

Fishing Access Sites:

Palisades Fishing Access Sites

Windy Point Fishing Access Site

Ruby Creek Recreation Area

All 18 Fishing Access Sites

Blogs:

Learning to Fly Fish in Montana

Perfect Day Fly Fishing: the Gardens at Ennis Montana

Getting Your Fishing License in Ennis, Montana

All 9 Blog Posts

Trips

Float Trip on the Gallatin River with Zach Neville Outfitters

525

/ Boat

Capacity:

1 - 2 anglers

Days:

Daily

Duration:

1 day

Fishing Waters:

Gallatin River Fishing Report

Destination:

Big Sky, Montana

Bozeman, Montana

West Yellowstone Montana

The Gallatin River is one of the closest, in proximity to Bozeman, Montana. As it makes its course from Yellowstone National Park to the Headwaters of the Missouri River, the Gallatin ... moreRiver flows through a diverse topography. High mountain meadows near Yellowstone Park, robust pocket water through the Gallatin Canyon, and the wide open spaces of the Gallatin Valley offer three distinct environments in which to fish and explore this fine river. Since it is smaller than many of our other rivers, the Gallatin offers a good opportunity for fishing on foot. Consistent hatches of caddis, mayflies and stoneflies throughout the season make the Gallatin an easy choice on any day.

3 Fishing Days on the Madison River with Red Mountain Adventures

1,075

/ Boat

Capacity:

1 - 2 anglers

Days:

Daily

Duration:

3 days

Fishing Waters:

Ennis Lake Fishing Report

Madison River Fishing Report

Destination:

Media Printer Polaris PQ-512 (15PL) Series Printhead

Ennis Montana

Experience the Madison River Like Never Before Learn the best spots on the Madison River with 3 great fishing days with Red Mountain Adventures. Eric Shores, with over 35 years of ... moreexperiencing guiding on the Madison River will take you down a journey of the best places to fish.

The journey starts on the Upper Madison River on a guided float trip covering about 8-11 miles of premier fly fishing water. The following day includes a recipe (location flies, and technique) on a do it yourself wade location near the fly fishing town of Ennis. The third day moves you on to where the Madison River dumps into Ennis Lake for a full float day stalking the giants.

Note: The order or location may change based on where the best spots are at the time.

Ruby River Charter with Montana Fish Man

550

/ Angler

Capacity:

1 - 2 anglers

Days:

Daily

Duration:

1 day

Fishing Waters:

Ruby River Fishing Report

Destination:

Ennis Montana

The Ruby offers some very big secrets wrapped up in a small technical, river package. From its headwaters to the confluence with the Beaverhead the Ruby is mostly a smaller meadow ... morestyle stream. It is fished primarily on foot from any one of the numerous bridges or access points. This little river has been ground zero for the fight against privatization of Montana's water ways. This is a great river for the small stream enthusiast as well as the angler looking for big surprises in little waters. Ultralight tackle fisherman will also enjoy the possibilities of this "gem" of a river located near Ennis, Montana.

Outfitters

Zach Neville Outfitters

Welcome to Zach Neville Outfitters. With over 10 years experience, we are one of Bozeman, Montana's premiere fly fishing guide services. We offer float and walk/wade fly fishing trips ... moreon southwest Montana's finest trout waters. Here in Bozeman we are centrally located among The Yellowstone, Madison, Gallatin, Missouri and Bighorn rivers. In addition to this, we have access to some of the best private water in the region. At Zach Neville Outfitters it is our mission to provide you with a fun, safe and educational day on the water regardless of your background or level of experience.

Fishing Trips: