The last weekend in May/first weekend in June, under normal weather conditions, kick off what is often referred to by fly-fishers as the widely-anticipated “Bug Week.”

These are the days when the Fisherman Parking Areas tend to be filled with cars from all across the country, and the Beaverkill, Willowemoc, and other Catskill streams are lined with anglers casting their hopeful flies to rising trout. 

It is considered the peak of the spring fishing season: a much-anticipated period when, unlike earlier in the season when fly hatches progress patiently, one or two hatches at a time, bug week represents a grand melange of the largest and greatest number of species of mayflies all hatching and on the water simultaneously! We’ve passed from the earliest Quill Gordons mid- to late-April, to the Hendrickson generally late-April thru mid-May, and then on to the larger March Brown and Gray Fox these past couple of weeks. Now the bearded iris is blooming, along with the wild blue flag iris that brightens up the landscape in swampy and wetter areas. 

These flowers, along with the arrival of the migratory Cedar Waxwings (those beautiful crested birds of cedar brown/gray/lemon-yellow, with black mask and accents of bright red waxy droplets on their wings) that can be seen swooping over the water picking up flies, herald the much-anticipated hatch of Green Drakes. These are the largest of the mayflies, in size #8 and #10, that bring up the most sizable trout in the river to feed. When Green Drakes are hatching, there is a ‘buzz’ among anglers up and down river…..once the Green Drakes begin making their appearance on the Delaware River system, more so on the East Branch Delaware, it isn’t long before they make their way up to the Beaverkill and Willowemoc. 

This early June week is also time for the large Brown Drakes, Sulphur Duns, Light Cahills, and of course, various Caddis flies and Blue-Winged Olives, which hatch during most of the year - a whole spate of offerings on the table for the fish to enjoy.

However, much to the disappointment of those who have traveled from far and wide to fish our Catskill Rivers, the fishing has been “off”. Cold, rainy weather, lackluster fly hatches possibly caused by the effects of last year’s drought on the mayfly population, and the deluge of rain we received this weekend has dampened spirits. We will need to be patient and wait for better fishing until after these waters recede. 

The next few days are forecasted to bring sunny and warmer weather, and hopefully some better fishing conditions. Those who venture out will no doubt try their luck with larger dark-colored and heavy streamers, to fish deeply and sink down through the roily, turbid water, such as a Black Leech or perhaps a good-sized bead-head nymph, until a hatch occurs to bring up feeding fish.

But trout fishers are resilient and had lots to celebrate this weekend. Saturday marked the First Annual Fish Fry at Dette Flies, which was a sold-out success. Despite the rain, a large crowd gathered at the pavilion to enjoy delicious fish and chips prepared by The Smoke Joint, served by siblings Ben and Jennifer Grossman, and participate in the Fund-Raising event, with all proceeds going to Theodore Gordon Flyfishers (TGF) and their conservation efforts. 

On Saturday evening, another sold-out event (as of early May) when more than 160 friends and supporters packed the Rockland House to celebrate the Catskill Fly Fishing Center’s Annual Dinner and Catskill Legends Award, bestowed upon this year’s recipients, Martha Mason, Rick Miller and Judy Van Put. From their website, the CFFCM describes Catskill Legends as being founded in 2014, honoring individuals who have “contributed their expertise to impact, educate and share the history and knowledge of the Catskills.” In this way, they continue the traditions of Catskill fly-fishing started so long ago. “It is these individuals who have kept the Catskill spirit to protect the area as a premier fishery of interest to all who visit the local streams and surroundings. 

The Legends are fly fishing pioneers who discovered and appreciated the richness of the rivers and streams in the Catskills. They are conservation stewards, authors, historians, and anglers who have shared their Catskill experience and allowed others to follow in their footsteps to create their own experience.

Their heritage is the cornerstone for future generations of legends.” The 2025 Legends received a beautifully framed award, a Certificate of Recognition signed by New York State Senator Peter Oberacker, 51st Senate District, and will have their names engraved on brass plaques mounted on the wall of the Museum. Wrapping up the celebratory weekend on Sunday, at the CFFC’s Wulff Gallery, was a “Celebration of Ed” honoring the life of Ed Van Put… More to follow next week!

Judy Van Put is a long-time member of the NYS Outdoor Writers Association and is the recipient of the New York State Council of Trout Unlimited’s Professional Communications Award.