Kwan

Materials

How to Tie the Kwan

1. 1

   Step 1

   Mount hook in vise. Start thread and tie in bead chain or lead eyes on top of the shank near the eye using figure-eight wraps.

   Eye weight determines sink rate—heavier for deeper water.

2. 2

   Step 2

   Wrap thread to the bend. Tie in a sparse clump of tan craft fur as a tail, about 1.5x shank length. Add 2-4 strands of Krystal Flash.

   Keep the tail sparse and wispy for a natural look.

3. 3

   Step 3

   Tie in a saddle hackle by the tip at the tail. Palmer the hackle forward in 4-5 wraps, creating a buggy body. Tie off.

   Use a long, webby hackle for maximum movement.

4. 4

   Step 4

   Optionally add rubber legs on each side at the midpoint, extending outward.

   Two legs per side is sufficient.

5. 5

   Step 5

   Tie in EP fibers or craft fur on top and bottom of the shank at the thorax area. Fold back and secure.

   Build up a slightly tapered profile toward the head.

6. 6

   Step 6

   Build a neat thread head in front of the eyes. Whip finish and apply head cement or UV resin.

   Ensure the eyes are securely fastened.

7. 7

   Step 7

   Trim the body fibers to a rounded, tapered shrimp/crab shape. Pick out the fibers with a bodkin for a buggy look.

   The fly should ride hook-point-up for weedless presentation.