Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

666 | Fly Fishing the Catskills with Joe Rist - New York, Brown Trout, Dry Fly Fishing

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Episode notes

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/666 

Presented By: TroutRoutes, Waters West, Togens Fly Shop, Stonefly Nets

Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors     

In this episode, Joe Rist and I will journey to fly fishing the Catskills, often hailed as the birthplace of American fly fishing. Join us as we uncover the rich history of this iconic region, explore the streams of the Beaver Kill and the Delaware branches, and discover why this area holds such a special place in the hearts of anglers.

With Joe's expert insights, you'll learn valuable tips on dry fly fishing and perfecting your casting techniques. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a curious novice, this episode promises to deepen your appreciation for fly fishing in one of the most storied landscapes in the U.S.

Episode Chapters with Joe Rist on Fly Fishing the Catskills

1:54 - We explore Joe's journey into fly fishing, sparked by his father's introduction with basic fishing gear. His passion solidified after catching his first brook trout in Maine and starting "Fish Camp" with friends. Joe transitioned to guiding professionally after retiring from the post office at 55. Following the passing of the shop's owner, Joe, with no retail experience but support from his family, successfully opened Trout Town Flies, now in its fifth year.

7:48 - We talk about the history of fly fishing in the Catskill region. Joe highlights its significance as "holy waters," noting contributions from pioneers like Theodore Gordon and George La Branche.

The Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum, covering 50 acres, showcases important figures and artifacts in fly fishing, including the resurgence of interest among younger people during the Covid pandemic.

11:12 - Joe offers advice on the best fishing times in the Catskills, recommending May for dry fly fishing due to ideal temperatures. He suggests novice-friendly rivers like Beaver Kill and Willow, while recommending the East and West Branches of the Delaware River for experienced anglers.

16:22 - For lodging and camping, Joe explains that while there is ample lodging, prime time (late April to early June) requires early reservations starting in December or January. The area has modest accommodations catering to fishermen, including notable places like Roscoe Motel, Riverside Cafe & Lodge, Red Rose, and Rockland House. For DIY camping, there are several state campgrounds, including Butternut Grove, Roscoe Campsite Park, and Peaceful Valley on the Delaware.

18:50 - Joe reveals that his shop makes 60-70% of its flies in-house. He highlights the significance of tying flies like cripples and emergers, as well as traditional Catskill flies. He also recounts creating the brown floating nymph (BFN) after noticing fish feeding on a specific insect on the West Branch of the Delaware.

25:29 - We get into the other flies he uses in the Catskills. Joe uses the gray fox, cahill, and red quill, effectively on their rivers. He provides a tip for modifying a red quill to mimic a rusty spinner.

28:35 - We focus on fishing the Beaver Kill. Joe notes that the Beaver Kill is more accessible for novice fly fishermen due to its high gradient, which helps correct casting errors. He also mentions that it is stocked with brown trout by the New York State.

32:06 - Our conversation shifts to fishing techniques, where Joe explains the importance of positioning above the fish and allowing the current to deliver the fly naturally. He mentions that in the east, anglers need to feed a lot of line—sometimes 70 to 80 feet—to achieve this, which can be challenging but necessary for successful fishing.

33:24 - Joe elaborates on fishing in the Delaware system, highlighting the commonality of catching large fish, including 21-27 inch fish. He explains the strength and resilience of these fish, particularly due to the cold, fast-moving waters. He also mentions migratory fish like shad and stripers that enter the Delaware system, and the presence of smallmouth bass in areas like the Beaver Kill. He notes that while there are various fish species, anglers predominantly seek large rainbows and browns.

38:05 - We talk about the fishing regulations and conditions in New York. Joe explains that the fishing season runs year-round, with specific rules: from April 1st to October 15th, regular fishing with size and catch limits is allowed; from October 16th to March 31st, it's catch and release only, with no live bait.

39:33 - Joe mentions temperature inversions in the Delaware River's tail waters, which affect fishing conditions. Milder winters have led to earlier fishing and hatches, with some species appearing sooner. He highlights that the tail waters offer consistent fishing opportunities, even in warmer months, and details the fishable waters: 17 miles on the west branch and variable conditions on the east branch.

42:03 - Joe describes their guiding and fishing techniques in the Catskills.

46:16 - For new anglers fishing the west branch of a large river, Joe emphasizes the importance of patience and observation when approaching the water. He advises beginners to look for foam lines, which indicate where food and fish might be. He also suggests breaking the river down into smaller sections, treating it first as a brook, then a stream, to make it less intimidating. He also highlights the need to adjust fishing techniques based on the time of day and hatches. Joe mentions that his shop can help plan trips and tailor them to the angler's schedule, whether it involves fishing in the morning or evening.

51:19 - We ask about his essential fishing gear. Joe highlights the use of fish-friendly ghost nets, wading staff for stability, quality wading boots for ankle support, and wading belt for safety. He also favors traditional vests for storage and versatility.

53:19 - As we approach late September and early October, he mentions the pre-spawn period when aggressive male trout favor streamers in orange or yellow. He mentions the essential flies during this period.

57:42 - Joe shares his travel bucket list, including a planned trip to Chile with his daughter to potentially represent a lodge there. He also expresses interest in fishing in Alaska and Montana's grayling, despite past trips to Colorado, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.

59:18 - We discuss various boats and flotation devices for the Delaware River, including traditional boats, rafts, kayaks, and paddleboards. Joe warns against belly boats due to safety concerns and praises drift boats for their ability to navigate shallow waters.

1:00:38 - We ask him a couple of random questions on his music preference and go-to bar and restaurants in their area. For music, he likes the Allman Brothers, Coldplay, and Marshall Tucker.

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/666