April 1- a date many look forward to during the long, cold winter, that for generations has brought with it the promises of spring and the hope of catching trout. From as far back as I can remember, the day before Opening Day was spent in preparation, getting rods and reels out, checking all the equipment to be sure it was ready for the next morning; Mom would promise to have the frying pan ready and we savored the thought of fresh trout for dinner. As a young child I fished with bobbers and worms long before graduating to the world of fly-fishing as an adult – but no matter what the method, the anticipation of heading out in early morning with my Dad to our favorite fishing spots caused many a sleepless night before Opening Day.

At this writing, Wednesday, March 29, water levels on our area rivers and streams are bank full. There are still areas of snow and ice in the higher elevations but all in all, conditions are looking fishable for Saturday’s Opening Day. 

Fly-fishers would do best to begin the season opener fishing below the surface with wet flies and nymphs, using weight to get the flies down deep. Watch for sunny areas on the water and you may find small diptera (two-winged flies) that might entice a rare fish to rise. Under these conditions, dry-fly fishers might try small midges, in size #18 - #22.

Most of our area streams are not scheduled to be stocked until later in the month; however, the Mongaup River and its East, Middle and West Branches are due to be stocked the first week of April.

This weekend is one of the biggest Trout Fishing Celebrations in recent memory. Beginning Friday, March 31, the Rockland House, Roscoe will be the site of the annual Anglers Reunion Dinner, with a social hour at 5 pm and dinner following at 6 pm. 

On Saturday morning, the “First Cast” will be held at Junction Pool, Roscoe, at 7:00 am, with the Roscoe Campsite Park providing morning coffee and pastries.

The Catskill Cane Revival will be held at the Roscoe High School Gym from 9 a.m. – noon. You may bring your own rod or try one of the great assortments of bamboo rods that will be available onsite, with several casting instructors on hand to assist in improving your skills. Children are welcome.

The Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum, Livingston Manor, will be offering a full slate of activities, from 10 am - 4 pm beginning with Agnes Van Put’s famous hot soups, ladled out by the beloved hostess herself, along with hot coffee and cookies. John Apgar is the day’s Guest Fly-Tier, and there will be trout coloring sheets for children. 

Dette Flies is hosting their Open House from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Fly Tiers “Catskill John” Bonasera, Seth Cavarretta and Nick Mango will be tying flies with hot coffee and fresh bagels available. 

On Saturday Evening, April 1, the Roscoe Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring its annual Two Headed Trout dinner at the Rockland House, featuring Guest Speaker Ramsey Adams, of the Catskill Mountainkeeper. 

The 2022 Lifetime Achievement Conservation Award recipient, Richard Schager, will introduce and award the First Annual Joan Wulff Fly-Fishing Excellence Award to Ed Van Put. Also being honored is the late Ted Rogowski for a lifetime of Conservation efforts. 

Be sure to come out and enjoy this special weekend, and tight lines on the river!