Sydny Thompson: "The Wannabe Fly Fisherwoman" Inspiring a New Wave of Anglers
- The Fly Box LLC
- Jan 11, 2025
- 6 min read
Sydny Thompson is a fly fishing personality and influencer with over sixty-five hundred followers on her social media platforms. An outdoor enthusiast and a self-proclaimed "wannabe fly fisherwoman," Sydny’s journey into fly fishing is as inspiring as it is relatable. Growing up in California, she discovered the joy of fishing alongside her father and later developed a passion for fly fishing that led her to share her experiences with a growing audience online.
Though we connected via email, Sydny’s energy and enthusiasm shone through her responses. From her first catch on a fly rod to her vision for the future, Sydny’s story reflects the beauty of learning, the challenges of carving a path in a male-dominated sport, and the joy of connecting with nature. Here’s a glimpse into her world:
Getting Started with Fly Fishing
For Thompson, fishing began as a family tradition. “I grew up spin fishing with my dad when I was about 5 or 6 years old,” she shared, reminiscing about her childhood near Lake Piru, California.
Yet it wasn’t until a gap year spent in the Eastern Sierra that she truly found her passion. “Fly fishing always intrigued me because it seemed so different—almost like an art form,” she explained. The calming, precise nature of the sport offered a welcome contrast to her adventurous upbringing in rock climbing and other high-energy activities.
Her first experience with a fly rod came at Parchers Resort, where she worked while surrounded by accomplished anglers. Initially dismissed by male coworkers who suggested she stick to spin fishing, Sydny was determined to prove herself. “One of my coworkers—a talented artist and fly fisherwoman—finally took me to Lake Sabrina,” she recalled. “That’s where I caught my first fish on a fly rod, and the experience was unforgettable. It wasn’t just about the fish; it was about proving to myself that I could do it.”
Carving a Niche in Fly Fishing Content
Sydny didn’t set out to become a fly fishing influencer. Encouraged by her aunt to share her adventures, she turned to TikTok as a platform for experimentation. “I started posting casual, honest videos about what I was learning or using each day,” she said. Her content’s unpolished, authentic nature, quickly resonated with viewers, who offered advice and encouragement.
“I think what sets my channel apart is my beginner’s perspective and my eagerness to learn,” Sydny explained. “My genuine excitement seems to remind long-time anglers of the thrill they felt when they first started.” Her videos, which range from learning how to wade to celebrating small wins, reflect the joy of discovery and have built a supportive community of like-minded anglers.
Challenges and Triumphs as a Young Female Angler
As a young woman in a male-dominated sport, Thompson has faced unique challenges, particularly early on. “When I asked my male coworkers to take me fly fishing, they told me it was hard and suggested I try spin fishing instead,” she recalled. But with determination and support from her female mentor, she found her footing
Safety has also been a consideration, especially when fishing alone. “That’s something I’ve had to navigate more than most men,” she noted. Despite these hurdles, the fly fishing community has been overwhelmingly positive.
When I asked her about any specific rewarding moments in her young fly fishing career she mentioned that she is "so grateful for the connections made just by being [her]self and sharing [her] journey,”. Specifically “The most rewarding moments are when people message... saying [her] videos inspired them to get back out on the water or try fly fishing for the first time."
Memorable Moments on the Water
For Sydny, the magic of fly fishing lies in its memorable moments. One of her standout experiences was catching her first golden trout during a backpacking trip in the Sierra Nevada. “I spent an entire day casting without luck,” she said. “Just as I was starting to accept getting skunked, I caught a stunning female golden trout right before a storm rolled in. It felt like magic.”
Not all memories are so serene. “During fish stocking, my boss asked me to hold up a big rainbow trout for a picture, and It immediately flopped around and smacked me right in the face! There’s even a video of it—it’s hilarious!”
Sydny recalled another mishap from last year while fly fishing on her lunch break. “I took a little motorboat out on my lunch break at my summer job to fish at the inlet, and I finally landed a nice rainbow trout. I tried to snap a picture, but, of course, I ended up dropping my phone right into the water!” she shared. Luckily, her quick thinking saved the day. “It was only about 20 feet deep, and I could still see it. So, without wasting time, I unhooked the fish... and dove in to get it!... When I got back to the office, my coworkers were baffled by my soaking wet hair and how cold I was. I was so embarrassed, I just told them I went for a swim.”
Fly fishing can also include some frustrating yet character-building adventures. “I think I’ve gotten skunked at alpine lakes more than the average person,” she admitted. One trip was especially challenging. “I once hiked 16 miles round trip and over 4,000 feet of elevation to a lake in the high Sierra just to only see one boil all day. It’s all part of the adventure though,” she said, embracing the highs and lows of the sport.
Moments like these show how fly fishing is not just about perfect casts or trophy fish—it’s about the stories, the laughter, and the unpredictability of being out on the water. These experiences remind us that even the mishaps become part of the adventure and the memories we cherish. I think these moments are what make fly fishing such a unique and personal journey—it’s not just about the fish, but about the connection to the environment, the people, and the unpredictable nature of the sport.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Anglers
Sydny’s advice for beginners is practical and encouraging: “It doesn’t need to be expensive! Start with what you have and build from there.” She emphasizes the value of asking for advice at local fly shops and using online resources like YouTube. “Fly fishing is for everyone,” she said. “I especially hope to inspire young women to get out and try new things without shame or fear of looking like they don’t know what they’re doing.”
Her emphasis on accessibility is so important in a sport that can often feel intimidating or exclusive. Fly fishing has a steep learning curve, but her message reminds us that the joy of the sport doesn’t come from having the most expensive gear or perfect technique—it comes from getting out there and connecting with the water.
When I Asked her if she though that social media was having a positive influence on the fly fishing community she said, “Absolutely Social media has a huge influence on young people, especially young women". She believes "it has the power to encourage people to try out fly fishing. Personally, it has opened [her] eyes to how accessible fly fishing can be and how diverse the community is becoming."
Her perspective serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusivity and representation in fly fishing. Sydny’s honest portrayal of the sport encourages others to explore at their own pace, free from the pressure of comparison. “I hope my content inspires others to get outside and explore,” she added. “I truly believe in the magic and medicine of being outside."
Looking Ahead
Currently, Thompson is living and working in Boise, Idaho, where she enjoys fishing in the Boise River and expanding her adventures throughout Idaho's great river systems.
Sydny has big ambitions for her fly fishing journey. She hopes to embark on a fly fishing road trip through Montana and Idaho and eventually start a YouTube channel to share longer-form content. “I want to inspire others to get outside and explore,” she shared. “I truly believe in the magic and medicine of being outside.”
Through her passion, authenticity, and growing influence, Sydny Thompson is proving that fly fishing isn’t just a sport—it’s a way to connect with nature, community, and oneself. ZIt was a pleasure interviewing her and getting to know her better because she herself is a reminder that fly fishing truly is for everyone.
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