5 steps
Riffle Hitch
A salmon and steelhead hitch tied in front of the fly so the leader leaves under the eye and the fly skates. Two half hitches on the shank after the fly is already tied on.
Use it for
A salmon and steelhead hitch tied in front of the fly so the leader leaves under the eye and the fly skates. Two half hitches on the shank after the fly is already tied on.
This line
Tie the fly on tippet, not braid. The hitch is in the leader just ahead of the eye.
Avoid when
A dry fly you want to dead-drift. The hitch is for a waking fly. Use a Harvey or a Davy when the fly should ride straight.
All steps visible
Riffle Hitch
Step 1
The fly is already tied. Form a loop in the leader in front of the eye.
Step 2
Pass that loop back over the fly and snug a half hitch on the shank.
Step 3
Form a second loop the same way.
Step 4
Pass it over the fly and snug it in front of the first hitch.
Step 5
Turn the fly so the leader leaves under the eye, square to the shank.
The drawing follows this tying order. Pause, step, or scrub to stay with the words. The standing line runs to the reel. The tag is the short end you trim. Skin-hook means the point lies flat in the plastic, not out where grass can grab it.
Common mistakes
- Putting the hitch so far up the leader that the fly does not cock.
- A leader that still leaves the top of the eye, so the fly will not riffle.
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