2017 Season Opener: Fly Fishing is for Everyone

Trout fishing season opens in New York State on Saturday, April 1,2017. The Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum (CFFCM) in Livingston Manor is hosting several opening day activities. This year’s theme is “Fly Fishing is for Everyone” with an effort to welcome new-comers to the sport. Activities kickoff at 7:00 a.m. with the Opening Day First Cast Celebration at Junction Pool in Roscoe. CFFCM partners with the Roscoe Rockland Chamber of Commerce for this celebration at the center’s Junction Pool property. First-timers and beginners are particularly welcomed. From then on it’s one activity after another: a bamboo rod casting demonstration, Agnes Van Put’s traditional soup, a new “Fly Fishing in the Catskills” traveling exhibit, fly tying and rod making demonstrations, and the annual Catskill Legends Dinner Sponsored by Roscoe Beer.

OPENING DAY EVENTS ON SATURDAY APRIL 1

07:00 a.m. – Celebrate Opening Day First Cast at Junction Pool in Roscoe. Everyone is welcome – including first-timers and beginners.

09:00 a.m. – “Come and Meet Your Maker” at a Catskill Cane Revival Demonstration at the Roscoe Central School in Roscoe. Cast a classic cane or modern bamboo rod. Join with Mike Canazon and the Bamboo Guys who will provide rods and skilled advice. Ends at 12:00 noon.

10:00 a.m. – Soups On! Enjoy warm soup and tasty treats made by Agnes Van Put in the Gift Shop at CFFCM. Take a pause from opening day casting and join in this 100-year-old tradition. Till the soup runs out.

10:00 a.m. – “Fly Fishing in the Catskills” display at the CFFCM Museum. First look at a new traveling exhibit on fly fishing that will tour six libraries in Sullivan County. Made possible in part through a decentralization grant administered by DVAA.

01:00 p.m. – Fly Tying by the Legendary Dave Brandt at the Museum. Join with Dave Brandt, President of the Catskill Fly Tyers Guild, who will be inducted as a Catskill Legend at a dinner in the evening. Runs till 3:00 p.m.

02:00 p.m. – How to Make Your Own Bamboo Rod at the Heritage Rod Workshop at CFFCM. Mike Canazon and Rick Miller will demonstrate how to saw and mill materials for a bamboo rod. Learn about upcoming classes and workshops. Till 3:00 p.m.

05:30 p.m. – Catskill Legends Dinner Sponsored by Roscoe Beer at the Wulff Gallery. This year CFFCM recognizes: Dave Brandt, Ralph Graves and Sue Post. Reception begins at 5:30p.m. (Roscoe Beer and wine, cash bar); silent auction till 7:00 p.m. Recognition ceremony immediately follows dinner. $50 for members, $60 for non-members.

The Museum, Gallery and Heritage Craft Workshop are open for Self-Guided Tours during the day. For reservations and more information, call CFFCM at 845-439-4810 or go to www.cffcm.com.