James St. Clair of @509Flies joins the Mend Podcast to trace his path from fisheries technician tagging salmon in the Wenatchee basin to studying viticulture, all while raising a fishing family. The conversation moves easily between conservation work, practical angling tips, and life as a guide and teacher.
The episode also dives into fly tying—long-form tutorials, favorite patterns (Blowtorch, hoppers, foam caddis), tight-line nymphing, youth fishing strategies, and ideas for managing access to sensitive waters.
