Hinkey Chronicles

Tag: Hiking

  • 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

  • Casting Memories: Fly Fishing

    Casting Memories: Fly Fishing

    Johnsondale Bridge.

    Casting memories Fly fishing: river and mountains. Scenic river landscape with rocky banks and a bridge in the distance, perfect for a fly fishing adventure
    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

    Casting memories Fly fishing: river and mountains. Scenic river landscape with rocky banks and a bridge in the distance, perfect for a fly fishing adventure

    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