Hinkey Chronicles

Category: Camping

  • Exploring Monache Meadows.

    Exploring Monache Meadows.

    Sierra Nevada.

    Camping Paradise

    Nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Monache Meadows offers an escape for

    fly fishing enthusiasts and campers alike. To include pristine waters, abundant wildlife, and stunning landscapes.

    a grassy meadow in front of a forest and mountains under a cloudy sky
    a grassy meadow in front of a forest and mountains under a cloudy sky

     

    This gem promises an unforgettable outdoor experience.

    My embarkation to Monache began when I was ten years old. At the time, I was not fly fishing. That’s right, I was a little spin-casting lad. The memories made at the time will forever hold a special place in my heart. As a child, it was fascinating to see and experience the many adventures this place has to offer.

    The fishing was off the hook. (No pun intended)

    To include, the various trout species in the river are a fisherman’s paradise. All the Brooks, Browns, Rainbow, and Golden Trout you can reel in are just one more thing to cherish. For more exciting places to fish the Kern River, check out Casting Memories Fly Fishing

    Fun Fact:

    The Golden Trout is the California state fish.

    The fish is a beautiful species of trout known for its vibrant colors and small stature (no bigger than your hand), and lastly, it is native to the waters of California’s Sierra Nevada. However, do not let their small size fool you. They can pack a fight at the end of your line. Furthermore, I have heard of places that are quite remote and require hiking to access. Their waters can get golden trout at thirteen inches in size. To elaborate, that is a Golden Trout I would love to land.

    a small fish with a slender body lies on a rough gray rock or concrete surface the fish has dark vertical markings along its sides and a light colored belly
    a small fish with a slender body lies on a rough gray rock or concrete surface the fish has dark vertical markings along its sides and a light colored belly
    a small orange camping tent pitched on a dirt campsite with a foldable camping chair to its left the tent is set near a tree in a wooded area and there are rocks and dry ground around
    a small orange camping tent pitched on a dirt campsite with a foldable camping chair to its left the tent is set near a tree in a wooded area and there are rocks and dry ground around

    Fly Fishing

    Fast forward to my twenties, the second embarkation to Monache Meadows. The journey began with a winding drive through dense forests and rugged terrain. While the sun was rising, thus illuminating the meadow’s lush grasses, at that moment, I knew the trip would be a memorable adventure yet again. As we arrived at our campsite to prep our essentials to stay the night and fish in the morning. The following morning, we were greeted by the sounds of nature, along with the river in the background.

    That is a twenty-four-hour all-access white noise machine.

    As we march upstream, the crystal-clear waters of the South Fork Kern River are teeming with trout, making it a fly fisher’s dream. That sound is coming from your reel as you let line out to cast. Nothing beats that sound. I spent hours casting my line, mesmerized by the gentle flow of the river. Our reign in Monache Meadows came to an end as the weekdays were quickly approaching. The fishing, on the other hand, was not the best due to the number of people being there, followed by the storm that was passing through.

    Although it does not change the fact, Monache Meadows will always be a fisherman’s paradise. In addition, anyone should have their adventure in Monache and share their experiences. Furthermore, please have respect for not only the land but also the river as well. Lastly, if you are camping around others, show respect.

    medium.com/@ryan-jay