My name is Ken Walrath and I have been tying flies for over 40 years. I grew up in Massachusetts spending most of my early years with my grandparents in the Adirondacks. I learned to tie during that time. My grandfather was a free hand tier. Later in life I moved to Colorado and spent over 25 years there. I am a veteran and the son of a career Marine, so I have seen and fished a lot of waters. I am the owner of Ken’s Custom Flies, an on-line store. I pride myself in offering quality flies at affordable prices. I tie all of the flies I sell. Nothing is imported. My passion is midge flies. Two years ago I moved back to Massachusetts. My wife and I have settled just outside of Worcester, MA. We belong to Trout Unlimited, Federation of Fly Fishers and I tie at the International Fly Tying Symposium. I also tie at The Fly Fishing Show and have for many years, not only here in Massachusetts, but also New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Washington State and Colorado. Stop by my store sometime. www.kenscustomflies.com.
EZ Prince
Hook: 9671
Thread: 8/0 Brown
Bead: Copper Brown from Flymen Fishing Company
Tail: Amber Z-lon
Body: Peacock
Rib: Gold Wire
Wing: White Z-Lon
Collar: Brown Dry Fly Hackle
I usually tie these anywhere from size 8 to 16
Alaska Special
Hook: 94840
Thread: 8/0 Red
Tail: Black Biot
Weight: .015 wire
Body: Black Dubbing
Wing: White Calf Hair
Collar: Black Dry Fly Hackle
Rib: Copper Wire
This fly I usually tie anywhere from 8 to 14
I had the pleasure of meeting Ken at the Denver Fly Fishing Show last January. I was hanging around with an old dude named Flyfishingcrazy who sells Ken’s flies at his online store by the same name. I was pretty impressed by the quality of flies and the great prices.
Ken,
Love your foam ant pattern. Live in CT and have exhausted my shopping pursuit of the required foam material. Have found the “other” shaped foam but not the one required. Would you please advise me of where I might find the required material.
Thank you,
Rob