Quote Originally Posted by Byron haugh View Post
I have never seen a guide tie a trailing fly or dropper any way other than at the bend of the lead or top fly. They know what works best for their clients who often lack good casting skills.
I had a guide in Colorado who tied the top fly on with a regular clinch knot but leave the tag end about a foot and half long. He would then tie the dropper nymph to that tag end. It worked fine.

I usually tie the heavier nymph to the tippet section then tie on the dropper nymph to the bend of that hook. I want the dropper or smaller fly to float a little freer with no weight. Seems to work.

As Gene said though, preventing tangles is more a function of the cast. Keep a slow open loop and you won't have as many problems.