We caught up with Kayla to talk about her journey into fly fishing and fly tying—a path that started with a college entomology class and a chance encounter with a seasoned angler named Richard. She shares how she navigates the fly fishing world, her top tips for tying jigged nymphs, and what tying means to her in the waters of New Jersey.

Can you share with us your three best tips for tying jigged nymphs?

1. Be Creative – Experiment with Colors, Materials, and Patterns

When it comes to tying jigged nymphs, creativity is key. Don't feel restricted to traditional patterns—try mixing up different dubbing blends, bead colors, and tail materials. Sometimes, an unexpected color combination or a slight variation in the body material can be the difference between a slow day and a banner day on the water. For example, a subtle hot spot near the collar or a flashy ribbing can make your fly stand out just enough to trigger strikes. Fish don’t follow a rulebook, so keep an open mind and test new ideas.

2. Ask Questions – The Fly Tying Community is a Goldmine of Knowledge

If you’re ever stuck or just curious about new techniques, don’t hesitate to reach out to other fly tyers. Whether it’s a local fly shop, an online forum, or social media, the fly tying community is full of experienced anglers willing to share tips and insights. You might learn a more efficient way to tie a certain pattern, understand the reasoning behind specific material choices, or even discover the history behind some classic nymphs. Every fly tyer has their own approach, and by asking questions, you can absorb a wealth of knowledge that will make your own flies more effective.

3. Have Fun – The Fish Don’t Care About Perfection

It's easy to get frustrated when your fly doesn’t turn out exactly how you envisioned, but the reality is—fish aren’t art critics! A slightly messy wrap or an uneven tail won’t stop a hungry trout from inhaling your nymph. Instead of striving for perfection, focus on improving with each fly you tie. The more you tie, the better you’ll get, and before long, consistency will come naturally. Enjoy the process, experiment with different styles, and remember—some of the best patterns ever created started as happy accidents

Kayla, what sparked your passion for fly fishing and tying, and how did you get started in this craft?

Ever since I was little, I was fascinated by the art of fishing. Like most people, I started fishing on my local streams with a spinning rod. In college, I majored in Physiology where I was able to take a few cool classes like insect entomology. While taking entomology, I began to connect bugs with fishing, where I then started to do more research on fly fishing.

During the spring of my senior year at The University of Scranton, I purchased my first fly rod, but had no idea what I was doing or where to start. Once I moved back home, I started working at an orthopedic office, where I encountered an elderly man named Richard, wearing a fly fishing shirt. My first words to Richard were “do you fly fish?”, and this created a priceless friendship. This encounter is what sparked my whole journey on fly fishing and fly tying.

Richard took me under his wing and taught me everything he knew about fly fishing and fly tying. He taught me everything I needed to know from how to tie various knots, to how to tie dry flies and nymphs. Richard would take me fishing multiple times a week so I could gain as much experience as possible. I even called out of work a few times to go with him (if my boss is reading this, I’m sorry….not)

Long story short, Richard is what sparked my love for fly fishing and fly tying. Before he passed away in the summer of 2024, he called me to tell me that I was going to be something special in the fly fishing world and I’m going to do everything I can to make him proud.

As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated space, how have you navigated the world of fly fishing and fly tying?

Being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated sport was definitely a bit intimidating at first. I was fortunate enough to meet several amazing people such as Richard, Andrew from GSO, and my wonderful boyfriend Billy that helped me learn how to navigate the fly fishing world. In the fly tying world, I met people like Tim Flagler, Scott Fisher, and several others that took their time to help me improve my fly tying skills. They made it much less intimidating to me, and pushed me to be the best version of myself.

What does fly tying mean to you personally, and how do you see it shaping your fly fishing experience in New Jersey?

Fly tying is more than just a way to create lures, it’s a form of art that allows us to connect to the waters we fish. In New Jersey, we have small streams, rivers, and coastal waters that offer diverse fishing opportunities where I can truly experiment with all different types of fly patterns. Tying my own flies allows me to match the local hatches, experiment with patterns, and develop a deeper understanding of fish behavior. It also adds a personal touch to every catch, making the experience even more rewarding.