Hinkey Chronicles

Tag: Fly Fishing

A Beginner’s Guide to Fly Tying
A “how-to” for fly tying with essential tools and materials

Fly Tying for Beginners: Where to Start

Fly tying can seem intimidating at first. However, once you understand the basics, it becomes a relaxing and rewarding hobby. Whether you fish often or just want to try something creative, fly tying gives you a hands-on approach to connect with the sport.

Let’s break it down step by step.

What Is Fly Tying?

Fly tying is the art of creating artificial flies used in fly fishing. You use thread, feathers, fur, and other materials to imitate insects or baitfish. These flies attract fish and make your time on the water more productive—and more fun.

Once finished with your first fly to cast on the river. Read my blog, Casting Memories Fly Fishing

decorative orange black popper fly beginner tying

Why Start Fly Tying?

There are a few good reasons:

• Save Money: Tied flies are often cheaper than store-bought.
• Customize Your Flies: You can match local hatches or try new patterns.
• Relax and Focus: Fly tying is both creative and calming.

So, how do you begin?

The Basic Fly Tying Tools You Need

beginner fly tying tool kit a set of brass fly tying tools in a black foam case

Before you can tie your first fly, you’ll need a few essential tools. You don’t need to spend a lot to get started.
1. Vise
This holds the hook firmly in place while you tie. Look for a beginner-friendly vise that’s adjustable and stable.
1. Bobbin
This tool holds your spool of thread and lets you control the tension as you wrap.
1. Scissors
Sharp, fine-tip scissors help you trim materials cleanly. Keep them just for fly tying.
1. Bodkin
A needle-like tool used for picking out fibers and applying head cement.
1. Whip Finisher
This helps tie off the thread neatly when you finish your fly.
1. Hackle Pliers
These help you grip and wrap small feathers without slipping.

Basic Fly Tying Materials

Once you have your tools, you’ll need materials. These are the basic supplies most beginner patterns use:
- Hooks
Start with sizes 10–14 for dry flies and nymphs. These are easier to work with.
- Thread
Choose 6/0 or 8/0 thread. Black or olive is a good start.
- Feathers (Hackle)
Used for dry fly wings and legs. Get a small patch of rooster neck hackle.
- Chenille
This fuzzy material creates thick, visible fly bodies.
- Dubbing
Fine fibers that form soft, realistic bodies when spun onto thread.
- Marabou
Soft feathers are used in streamers and tails for movement in the water.
- Wire or Tinsel
Adds weight and flash and helps secure materials.

image of a close up detailed fly resembling a shrimp or scud with a segmented brown and orange body.

Beginner Fly Patterns to Try

Start simple. These three flies are great for learning:
1. Woolly Bugger – Easy to tie and works in many waters.
2. Zebra Midge—A simple nymph pattern that catches trout.
3. Elk Hair Caddis—A classic dry fly and great skill builder.

Tips for Learning Faster

• Watch Videos: YouTube has countless tutorials. Choose a slow-paced one with clear steps.
• Take Your Time: Don’t rush. Better flies come with practice.
• Use a Kit: Beginner kits offer tools and materials in one box.
• Stay Organized: Keep your workspace clean to avoid frustration.

detailed view of fly fishing gear including rod reel and colorful flies on a dark surface

Final Thoughts

Fly tying isn’t just about making flies. It’s about learning to observe nature, build skill, and enjoy the process. With a few tools and some patience, anyone can get started. The best way to learn is to tie your first fly today.
July 9, 2025
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

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 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

January 26, 2025
Casting Memories: Fly Fishing

Johnsondale Bridge.

photo of Johnsondale Bridge

Fly fishing is an art.

Fishing has always been an all-time favorite hobby of mine. It has been a way to destress and unwind after a rough week. The thought of getting outside for the day to do nothing but hike and fish was anxiously waiting to arrive. Upon arriving at the bridge, you are greeted with the sound of rushing rapids echoing throughout the canyon and the crisp, cool air around you. Lastly, the feeling of a fish waiting just to bite your fly or hook (however you fish) is a feeling to look forward to having.

I was first introduced to fly fishing through the movie “A River Runs Through It” (1992), directed by Robert Bradford and starring Brad Pitt and Craig Sheffer. The story of fly-fishing brothers is both visually and emotionally compelling.” I thought the method of fly fishing was unique. It has its own casting method. A simple ten-and-two motion with the arm. Not to mention the flies (hooks) resemble certain insects around the river. That is important to understand, as certain seasons will require you to identify which fly will be more effective.

So, I got a simple fly rod from Walmart, where it comes with everything you need to get started. Once, I had everything I needed to get started. I would spend hours practicing, perfecting that ten-and-two motion cast. I got it down pretty well. Well worth it, speaking of the blisters I had. That hard work paid off. My dad and I went to Johnsondale Bridge one early morning. I was set on landing a rainbow trout with a fly rod. For more on fishing and exclusive sites, please read on. Exploring-Monache-Meadows

First Rainbow Trout on a Fly Rod

It was not until forty-five minutes upriver that we stumbled across a promising portion of the river, which we thought would be a perfect place to start fishing. So, we decided to set our rigs up and cast our lines. It was the perfect time and place, as the sun just started to hit the water. I started to get enough line out for a decent cast. It was my first ever cast on the river with a fly rod, and I landed a rainbow trout.

As a kid, I was ecstatic yet shocked; I didn’t expect it to be that quick. After that, I was landing them left and right. Sadly, my streak did come to an end as the sun got higher in the sky and the water got a bit murky. The fish took their feeding to the depths. I could not for the life of me find a fly that was for that condition.

The fly that was a big hit for the trout is the Dave’s Hopper #10. This little fly is very identical to a grasshopper. Yeah, that is the point. However, it is just wild to me how closely they got it to resemble one. The structure is very articulate, not to mention the legs and wings are pretty realistic. Anyways, that is my story on fly fishing at the Johnsondale bridge. If I were to suggest anything to anyone, it would be to study up on fly fishing. Whether it is the techniques, what flies would be best, (varies on season), how to fix errors and mistakes, etc.

Most importantly, bring water to stay hydrated while hiking on this trail.

medium.com/ryan-jay

January 25, 2025