What's Happening?
Rodmaker Kathy Scott discusses her book The Letters to Everett Garrison, which opens the pages to his life through correspondence.
Kathy and Dave Van Burgel return to the Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum for their popular rodmaking class Saturday August 31, through Thursday, September 5. The 2019 class is full, but it’s not too early to think about taking their September 2020 class. Watch the website for information.
Tom Morgan Rodsmiths will be teaching a week-long bamboo rod building class the week of Sept. 22, with an emphasis on using the Morgan Handmill. Participants will choose one of Tom’s tapers and learn hollow fluting, swelled butts, ferruling techniques, handle shaping, wrapping and go home at the end of the week with a finished rod.
Class limited to 4 people.
For more information or to place a deposit visit tommorganrodsmiths.com and search “trips/classes.”
It has been 10 years passed since the gala opening of Made in Japan, presenting tenkara by inviting Dr. ishigaki. At that time, almost nobody in the world searched the word of "tenkara" by google search engine. Now it became so popular internationally.
To celebrate a decade of the permanent exhibition of Made in Japan at the Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum, Misako Ishimura will do a presentation about Japanese old flies, which will be added to the Made in Japan exhibition. You will be able to see the flies before they will be presented inside the case on the wall of the Museum.
Misako will do a PowerPoint presentation about Japanese old flies, including tenkara,how they differ from flies around the world.
The event will be held Saturday, May 18, at 10 a.m. in the Wulff Gallery. After a lunch break, the event moves outside at 1 p.m., where Misako will answer questions illustrated by demonstrations based on skills she honed fishing around the world.
The fee is $20, which includes lunch. Click here to reserve your space.
Questions can be directed to Misako Ishimura at misakoishimura@gmail.com.
Congressman Antonio Delgado of New York’s 19th District donned waders and a vest, and with the help of a few lessons from Jeff Phelan waded into Wulff Run near the bridge to the Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum to make the first cast of the 2019 trout season.
Delgado drifted a traditional Catskill Royal Wulff to commemorate the region and its fly fishing history.
After a few chilly casts, Delgado was invited to return to the Willowemoc when the weather warms.
He joined others at the CFFCM gift shop, where he read a proclamation in honor of soon-to-be-inducted Catskill Legend Agnes Van Put, who was serving her soups.
Degado also visited the Catskill Fly Tyers Guild at its Rendezvous in the Wulff Gallery.
Click above to watch a video.
Makers showed off their rods, anglers practiced casting bamboo, and friends caught up with each other at the Catskill Cane Revival on Saturday, April 6.
About 50 people gathered at Roscoe High School for the event, held in the gym as winter turns to spring and the weather warms.
Click above to watch a video from the event.
The Catskill Fly Tyers Guild will hold its annual Rendezvous in the Wulff Gallery from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All are welcome to meet the tyers and learn their craft.
The Guild is starting a Catskill Kids on the Fly chapter that will meet at the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum at 10 a.m. before the Guild’s regularly scheduled meetings.
All tying equipment and tying materials will be supplied for the sessions. All sessions are open to kids of all ages, including parents regardless of tying experience.
The inaugural meeting will take place during the Opening Day festivities at the Fly Tyers Rendezvous on April 6 at the museum.
The inaugural session will be open throughout the Rendezvous. This initiative reflects the guild’s efforts to coordinate better its activities with those of the museum.
The official First Cast, featuring Congressman Antonio Delgado (D-19th), will take place at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 6, at the Wulff Run, next to the bridge to the center.
At 10 a.m., return to the Gift Shop for a cup of Agnes Van Put’s famous soup, coffee and cookies. The Museum and Gallery will be open.
The Catskill Cane Revival will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the Roscoe High School Gym. Bamboo rod afficionados will loosen their arms and practice story-telling just up the bend from Keener’s Pool. Bring a bamboo rod of your own or try one of ours. See some old friends and meet some new ones. Bring a friend or a kid you want to get hooked and we’ll put a cane rod in their hand.
There will be tours of the Bamboo Rod Shop in the Wulff Gallery during the afternoon.
The smiling face synonymous with the Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum, and the man behind Catskill Flies will officially be named Catskill Legends April 13.
Agnes Van Put, who continues to be a presence at the CFFCM gift shop, and the late Dennis Skarka will be inducted into a group that continues the fly angling legacy so woven into the history and culture of the Catskills.
The Legends Dinner will be held at Rockland House in Roscoe on Saturday, April 13. Cocktails begin at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6. Tickets are $50 for CFFCM members and family of the honorees, $60 for non-members and $100 for patrons. Tables can be purchased for $500. There will be raffles and auctions.
Since the inception of the museum, Agnes has been part of it. She’s still making her jam which can still be purchased at the gift shop, and her soups warm those who brave the early spring cold for the CFFCM’s first cast each April.
“Every special event we have is greeted by the question, ‘Will Agnes be there?’ when people RSVP,” CFFCM Managing Director John Kovach said.
Dennis Skarka, from his downtown Roscoe store Catskill Flies, was a go-to source for information on where the big trout were and what they were eating. The guide and master fly tyer died Feb. 3, 2019.
Click here to purchase tickets online for the 2019 Legends Dinner.
Click here for a downloadable form you can mail to the Center.
The 2018 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Dinner is scheduled for Saturday November 3rd, 2018. To submit nominations for the 2018 class, please complete the Nomination Form and submit back to CFFCM at office@cffcm.com.
2018 Hall of Fame Nomination Form
The event will be located in the museum. The induction ceremony will be held from 1pm to 2 pm, and the reception will be held from 2pm to 4 pm.
More than 100 Rodmakers gathered at the Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum Sept. 7-9 for the 24th Annual Catskill Rodmakers Gathering. It was a wonderful weekend, organized By Chris Bogart, aided by a numerous group of volunteers with the special help of Erin Phelan.
The weekend was filled with interesting programs, exu-berant comradery and all-things-everything-bamboo excitement. There were great presentations by David Serifin, Chet Croco, Chris Bogart, Peter Jones, Willis Reid, Jed Dempsey, Jerry Girard, Tom Smithwick, “Beetle” Bob Wil-liams, Tom McDonnell, and Art Leclair.
The weekend kicked off with the potluck dinner on Friday night and the Demarest Challenge was held on Saturday morning, with first place going to Frank Payne, followed second by Kyle Letsche, and Aaron Weiner coming in third! Saturday also included Kathy Scott’s book release of the hard-cover edition of “Letters to Everett Garrison,” which is now available at the Center, and of course, ending with Dave Fitch’s famous barbecue and the unforgettable auction led by Rick Miller.
Also, thanks to Mike Canazon for all of his help with the event.
Plans are already underway for next year’s event, which will be the 25th Annual Rod-makers Gathering.
Chet Croco demonstrating the rod making methods used at Bellinger.
Kathy Scott talks about her book, The Letters to Everett Garrison, at the 24th annual Catskill Rodmakers Gathering, which drew more than 100 enthusiastic rod builders to the Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum Sept. 7-9. Scott's book on the legendary rod maker is available at the CFFCM book shop, and an interview with Scott will be posted at cffcm.com.
Jerry Girard displays a segment of a Leonard rod during a talk on the historic rod maker given at both the 24th annual Catskill Rodmakers Gathering and the conference of Leonard rod enthusiasts that followed the gathering.
First Annual Emerging Anglers Dinner at Beaverkill Valley Inn
CFFCM celebrates with the 1st Annual Emerging Anglers Dinner at the historic Beaverkill Valley Inn. You are invited to join the CFFCM in a spirited night fueled by great food and fun intended to celebrate the youthful energy of the Catskills fly fishing community. There will be a multi-course plated dinner, an open bar with proud local spirits and brews, and DJ'd dance party post dinner. All proceeds are to benefit the Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum. Smart Attire requested.
Aperitivo Hour starts at 6:30pm. Dinner at 7:30pm
Saturday September 15th, 2018
The Beaverkill Valley Inn, Lew Beach, NY
$250 a Seat/$2000 for a Table of Eight
Call the office or email office@cffcm.com to make your reservations!
September 7—9, 2018 The Catskill Rodmaker’s are well underway in planning the 2018 Rodmaker’s Gathering to be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 7th to the 9th, at CFFCM, and it’s shaping up to be a wonderful event, as always! There will be a full weekend of activities and programs—a great mix that feature both the basics of the craft for the newer attendees, and more advanced finer points for the more experienced participants. Also, the 2018 Harold Demarest Rod Makers Challenge will be for a 2 weight rod of any length, with a maximum weight of 2 ounces. Visit the event page for more information: https://cffcm.com/rodmakers-gathering/
Members and friends will celebrate “Summerfest Sponsored by Hardy/Fenwick and Roscoe Beer Company” on August 4 and 5 as CFFCM continues its longest–running program in Center history. Visit the event page for more information: https://cffcm.com/summerfesthardy-cup/
CFFCM member Dr. Gary Sherman has graciously donated a painting titled “Tarpon In The Mangroves” by William Goadby Lawrence to help benefit CFFCM. This 22” x 36” original oil on canvas, by a famed natural wildlife artist, is a stunning and magnificent piece of artwork. Lawrence is widely recognized as one of the greatest fish painters of all time. If you are interested in seeing the piece, please stop in the gift shop where it is on display. The appraised value is $7,500.00 and appraisal documentation can be provided. Inquires regarding the piece can be made by calling or emailing the office and all proceeds will benefit CFFCM.
Please click here to be redirected to Volume 14, Issue 5 of the Castabout.
‘CATSKILL LEGENDS’ HONORED
Dinner to Recognize Kris Lee, Ed Ostapczuk and Jack Yelle
LIVINGSTON MANOR – The Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum (CFFCM) will recognize three fly fishing individuals from the area as “Catskill Legends” during a ceremony at The Arnold House in Shandelee on Saturday, April 7, 2018. The 2018 “Catskill Legends” are Kris Lee, Ed Ostapczuk and Jack Yelle.
“Catskill Legends” are the fly fishing pioneers who discovered and appreciated the richness of the rivers and streams in the Catskills. They receive a plaque stating: “In grateful appreciation for your contributions to the life and traditions of fly fishing in the Catskills, we recognize you as a Catskill Legend.” Since 2014, only twelve individuals have been honored a “Catskill Legends”.
Kris Lee was born in Schenectady, NY and worked as an administrator at Elis Hospital in the hematology department. Kris had a love of the outdoors and had a photogenic eye to share the natural world with others. She was the principle person behind the lens for many angling articles written by her husband, Art. Together, they traveled the world and Kris documented their angling adventures. The beauty of the Catskills and other areas that were well documented in the many featured photographs in The Fly Fisherman magazine were photographed by Kris. She was one of the first incorporators of the Center. Her attention to detail and capturing many angling moments is what makes Kris Lee a Catskill Legend.
Ed Ostapczuk, or Esopus Ed, or Eddie O, has been fishing the fabled Catskill waters for over 40 years. His intuitive knowledge of the local area is resounding, his passion for angling and conservation are ingrained in his spirit and he can often be found writing and speaking on these topics. Ed is a N.Y. licensed guide, published author and conservation advocate. He has also received multiple awards including the Trout Unlimited National award in Conservation and the Theodore Gordon Flyfishers Salmo Award. Ed continues to teach and enrich those around him through his written words on fly tying, fly fishing and cold water conservation and because of this, Ed is a Catskill Legend.
Jack Yelle was born in Brooklyn in 1934. He could find beauty anywhere and often said, “There is never a wrong sky.” Jack and his wife Pat discovered Roscoe, NY in the early 1980s as part of their lifelong enthusiasm for nature and camping. It was here he discovered the streams, meadows, waterfalls, canoes, trees and barns that would dominate his art for the rest of his life. Upon his retirement, Jack and Pat moved to Roscoe to make it their permanent home where they operated Morning Star Creations, an art studio and gallery. From here, he began a 30+ year, second career, as an artist, teacher and community volunteer. For this and his contributions to the preservation of the history, beauty and vibrancy of the Catskill spirit, we are honored to call him a Catskill Legend.
The previous Catskill Legends are:
The event reception and silent auction begin at 5:00 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m. The recognition ceremony immediately follows dinner. Cost is $50 for CFFCM members, $60 for non-members. Reservations are required. For reservations, a complete list of Season Opener activities, or more information about fly fishing, call CFFCM at 845-439-4810 or go to www.cffcm.com.
https://marylandflyfishingshow.com/
The Second Annual Fly Fishing Show brings together fly fishing enthusiasts and high quality fly fishing dealers for a day of tackle review and conversation. The Show has been set for March 17, 2018 from 9am to 4pm. Due to the large crowd that attended our first show, we have moved the show to Towson University’s Potomac Lounge. The University has easy access from Rt.95 and the Baltimore 695 beltway. The Potomac lounge is in the University Union and has ample free garage parking right next to the building.
Presently, we have tripled the vendors committed from last year (check our vendor page) and have added fly tyers, artists, guide service and numerous nonprofit fishing organizations. Check out our vendor page.
One of the main draws this year will be the number of exclusive vendors that are well known for their bamboo rod workmanship. Most of these cane rod makers do not often attend fishing shows but will be at our show for you to meet!
Items for purchase will include; a variety of new and used classic tackle, all types of fly rods, including classic bamboo, glass and graphite, classic fly reels, color prints, custom flies, custom made wood fly tying items, clothing, jewelry and you can even rent a house that sleeps 10 in Montana! Our 5 fly shops attending will have an assortment of gear and products for sale.
Here’s the details again:
Traveling a distance? Stay on campus at our Marriott Hotel-click to review hotel and special Show rate (right column on the home page)
Join us for a very entertaining day!
The Catskills Fly Fishing Museum is proud to present Volume 14, Issue 1 of Castabout. Please click here to read the latest edition of our esteemed newsletter.