Davy knot
Also called Davy Knot, Double Davy knot
A compact tippet-to-fly knot that uses a simple overhand structure. It’s popular for tiny flies because it’s quick to tie and uses very little tippet.
- Group
- Tippet-to-fly knots
- Category
- Knots & rigging
- Level
- Intermediate
- Water
- Freshwater
Last updated
What Davy knot means
Start by passing the tippet through the hook eye, then tie a loose overhand knot in the tag end while the fly hangs below it. Bring the fly back through the overhand loop (some anglers pass it through twice), then snug the knot down to the eye and trim the tag.
The finished knot is small and straight. Because it doesn’t build up much bulk at the eye, it’s commonly used with fine tippet and small dry flies or small nymphs where a bigger knot can look clunky or block the eye.
Why it matters on the water
With tiny hooks, the practical problem is often space at the eye. A bulky knot can crowd the gape, partially block the eye, or leave a long tag that catches debris. The Davy keeps that connection clean.
It’s a good choice when speed matters. The steps are simple enough to tie without a long “wrap count,” which is handy in cold weather or low light when a multi-wrap knot feels fiddly.
Read next
- Clinch knotA clinch knot is a simple knot for tying tippet or leader to a fly’s eye. It’s quick to tie and common for dry flies, nymphs, and small streamers.
- Improved clinch knotA common knot for tying tippet to a fly. It’s a clinch knot with the tag end passed back through a second loop before tightening for a more secure finish.
- Non-slip loop knotA tippet-to-fly knot that leaves a small open loop at the hook eye. The loop lets the fly swing and track more freely than a snug knot.
- Orvis knotA tippet-to-fly knot that uses a doubled line through the hook eye, then a tuck back through a loop. It’s known for good strength with less twist than a clinch-style knot.