Big Weekend for Livingston Manor and the Catskill Fly Fishing Center Saturday’s heavy rains and deluges replenished our rivers and streams, which are in good shape heading into the middle of September.

On Sunday afternoon, the Beaverkill at Cooks Falls registered 184 cubic feet per second at about 4:00 pm, which is above the median average of 122 cfs over 111 years of record-keeping. Water temperatures have been in the 60s all week.

September 6 - 8 was a big weekend - for Livingston Manor parades and firemen from across the county; as well as for the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and fly-fishers from across the country! Even heavy rain showers couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of visitors who gathered in the Manor for both events, which began on Friday, September 6.

At the CFFC, it was the 30th Annual Catskill Rodmakers Reunion, a gathering that was much-anticipated for many months beforehand. The Center and Museum were closed to the public over the long weekend, as this was a private event. Comprised of bamboo rodmakers and enthusiasts, their family and friends, the event was fun and informative. There were 96 participants who registered in advance, including several who traveled from abroad for the event, from Germany, Taiwan, and Japan; each received a 2024 Catskill Rodmakers t-shirt, which included the names of all 96 registrants on the shirt. Cars from all across the country made their way to the grounds of the Catskill Fly-Fishing Center, parking in the lower casting field, filling the parking lot and spaces around the Heritage Craft Center below the museum. The Pavilion and a large tent was set up for vendors, talks and presentations.

On Saturday morning a beautiful and touching retrospective video by Chris Bogart was shown of the previous 29 gatherings commemorating the 30th Anniversary of the Catskill Rodmakers, beginning with an opening segment that was recorded last year of Catskill Legend Mike Canazon, who passed away on December 26. Mike is the much beloved rod builder whose loss is significantly felt by all at the Center who knew him as the devoted caretaker of the rod shop and a fun-loving soul. He is dearly missed by Rodmakers around the country, who would look forward to seeing him at the annual gathering, where they share best practices, techniques and tips; but more importantly camaraderie and endearing friendships.

Down in the Rod Building Workshop of the Heritage Craft Center, there was a Beginner Rodmaker round table discussion with hands-on demonstrations. Bob Hallowell showed how to turn reel seat hardware on the lathe, and Gary Young demonstrated how to make a rattan grip by wrapping strips of rattan over a cork grip. Peer Doering-Arjes gave a presentation on Lo Lo Cane and described the different types of bamboo from all around the world, such as the Tonkin cane from China, and the cane from Viet Nam that is becoming more popular in the world of rod-making. Chris Bogart, photographer of the event, discussed Ferrule design and history.

One of the highlights of the weekend was the 2024 Demarest Challenge, a casting competition that required entrants to design a 3x3x3 rod. This is a three-piece rod designed to cast a three-weight line that weighs less than 3.0 ounces. Rod shafts must be composed of bamboo; rod length, fittings, etc. are the choice of the builder.

The competition is scored based on an accuracy event, a roll-casting accuracy event, and a distance casting event. Each entry begins with 100 points, with deductions applied for missed targets. Distance casts are scored 1 point per foot of cast. This year’s competition used a double-taper 3-weight line; the DT3 lines were available for use by registrants in the competition at a 50% discount from 406 lines. The lines were chosen due to the roll casting

component of the contest; and accuracy was favored over distance due to the roll casting component. The event was won by Tom Smithwick, a Master fly rod builder, of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania.

Saturday evening’s Event dinner featured a door prize raffle, with tickets being sold to help support the Rod Building Workshop in the Heritage Craft Center at the CFFCM.

On Sunday afternoon members of the Catskill Fly Tyers Guild, Phil Street, Tom Mason, Mike Stewart, John Apgar and Dave Catizone set up their vises and served as guest fly-tyers for the event. Dozens made their way up to see these fly-tying experts ply their skills, provide instruction and answer questions. Dave Catizone, of Catskill Creations, displayed his beautifully tied flies, along with historic flies tied by Elsie Darbee, Edward R. Hewitt, the Dettes, and many more. A very enjoyable time was had by all, and plans are already being made for next September’s 31st Annual Rodmaker’s Gathering.

There is still time to join in the Emerging Anglers Fundraiser at the Catskill Fly-Fishing Center this Saturday, September 14, 2024. This foremost fundraising event of the year will be held on the grounds of the CFFC beginning at 5:30 - 7:00 pm with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres by the pond with live painting by guest Steven Weinberg. Dinner with presentation, fundraising, food and drinks under the tent at the lower casting field catered by the Neversink General Store under the direction of Executive Chef Jaime Stankevicius. Emerging Anglers sponsors include:

Trout Town Flies (Table Sponsor), Pollinator Spirits - Catskills Provisions Distillery (Beverage Sponsor), Catskill Brewery (Beverage Sponsor), Bob Eckert - Northern Farmhouse Pasta (Beverage Sponsor), Foster Supply Hospitality (Beverage Sponsor) and 52 Wine & Liquor (Beverage Sponsor.)

To purchase tickets and for additional information, please visit https://cffcm.com/ or call 845-438-481007-290-4107.