How to Tie the Blood Dropper Loop Knot

This knot is used to attach droppers to the leader so that another fly can be added. It is called a Dropper Loop. To begin, you start out the same way as you tie a Surgeon knot. See my July 10, 2014, blog post, "Tying a Surgeon Knot for Fly Fishing Leaders."  

1. Place two leaders together in the opposite direction so that they overlap about 4 to 5 inches. 

Layout Leaders to begin Blood Dropper Loop Knot

2. Make two overhand knots, keeping the ends pointing straight out with a loop underneath. 

Overhand Knots

3. Pinch the looped section and push it up between the middle of the two lines so that it extends 1/2 to 3/4 inch. 

Create the Loop

4. Pinch the knot and pull the line ends tightly to form the dropper loop. Tightening the loop is shown below in two stages. 

Stage 1: Knot Tightening

Stage 2: Knot Tightening