Ashokan Outdoors

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  "name": "Ashokan Outdoors",
  "guideName": "John Yanzek",
  "slug": "ashokan-outdoors",
  "bio": "John Yanzek has been guiding fly anglers through the Catskill Mountains for three decades, building deep knowledge of the region's most storied trout streams. He specializes in wade and drift fishing for rainbow, brown, and brook trout across waters including the Beaverkill, Willowemoc, Esopus Creek, Neversink River, and Upper Ashokan Reservoir. His approach is seasonal and hatch-focused—spring brings warming-water opportunities for beginners and veterans alike, summer offers consistent dry-fly action, fall brings larger brown trout on the move, and winter provides serene midge fishing for dedicated anglers. Yanzek welcomes all skill levels and tailors each day to conditions and client goals.",
  "yearsExperience": 30,
  "descriptionShort": "Ashokan Outdoors is a fly-fishing guide service based in West Shokan, NY, specializing in wade and drift fishing for trout across the Catskill Mountains. John Yanzek offers 30 years of expertise on iconic waters including the Beaverkill, Esopus Creek, Neversink River, and Upper Ashokan Reservoir, guiding anglers of all skill levels through seasonal hatches and trophy brown trout opportunities.",
  "descriptionLong": null,
  "editorialPitch": "John Yanzek has spent 30 years mastering the Catskill's legendary trout streams—from the technical dry-fly water of the Beaverkill to the hidden spring creeks of Bush Kill—reading seasons and hatches like few guides can.",
  "fishinessRating": 5,
  "rating": null,
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  "vertical": "guide_service",
  "isOutfitter": false,
  "hasMultipleGuides": false,
  "guideType": "fly_guide_freshwater",
  "tripStyle": "serious_angler",
  "fishingTypes": [
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    "wade fishing"
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  "qualityTier": "excellent",
  "thinData": false,
  "possiblyClosed": false,
  "city": "West Shokan",
  "stateProvince": "NY",
  "countryCode": "US",
  "country": "US",
  "timezone": "UTC-4",
  "canonicalUrl": "https://ashokanoutdoors.com/",
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  "googleMapsUrl": "https://maps.google.com/?cid=6821037992255091951&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA",
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  "peakMonths": [
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  "fishingSeasonsNarrative": "My guiding year in the Catskills is dictated by the rhythm of the seasons and the behavior of our resident trout. Spring brings the warming waters and the anticipation of hatches. As the weather improves, so does the fishing, with opportunities for both experienced anglers and beginners to hone their skills. Summer offers consistent action, with various hatches providing opportunities for dry-fly fishing, while the cooler evenings can bring out the larger trout. Fall is a spectacular time, with the changing foliage mirroring the vibrant fishing. This season often brings larger brown trout on the move, making it a prime time for anglers seeking trophy-sized fish. Winter offers a unique, serene experience for those who brave the cold, with opportunities for midge hatches and a more solitary connection with the water.",
  "meetingPoint": null,
  "providesGear": true,
  "gearNotes": "All fly rods, reels, waders, boots, and flies are provided. Clients are welcome to bring their own gear if preferred. Specialty patterns are included and matched to seasonal hatches.",
  "kidFriendly": null,
  "skillLevel": "all skill levels",
  "cancellationPolicy": null,
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  "whatToExpect": "Trips depart from West Shokan and rotate between the Catskills' premier trout waters depending on season, water conditions, and target species. Spring through fall offer consistent hatches and dry-fly opportunities, while summer evenings can produce larger trout. Winter trips focus on midge fishing and solitude. Days combine technical instruction with streamside exploration, with full access to the region's most productive spring creeks, reservoirs, and main-stem rivers.",
  "status": "enriched",
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  "createdAt": "2026-06-08T18:22:57.381Z",
  "updatedAt": "2026-06-16T14:47:00.829Z",
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  "tags": [
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      "slug": "nymphing",
      "name": "Nymphing",
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      "name": "Streamer",
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    {
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      "name": "Wade Trip",
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    {
      "slug": "float-trip",
      "name": "Float Trip",
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      "name": "Instructional",
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    {
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      "name": "Catch & Release",
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      "name": "Flies / Lures Provided",
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    {
      "slug": "freshwater",
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    {
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    {
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      "name": "Intermediate",
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    {
      "slug": "advanced",
      "name": "Advanced",
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    },
    {
      "slug": "first-time-anglers",
      "name": "First-Time Anglers",
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    },
    {
      "slug": "shore-only",
      "name": "Shore / Wade Only",
      "tagType": "boat_type"
    },
    {
      "slug": "fly-fishing",
      "name": "Fly Fishing",
      "tagType": "fishing_style"
    },
    {
      "slug": "wade-fishing",
      "name": "Wade Fishing",
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    {
      "slug": "spring",
      "name": "Spring",
      "tagType": "season"
    },
    {
      "slug": "summer",
      "name": "Summer",
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    {
      "slug": "autumn",
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    {
      "slug": "winter",
      "name": "Winter",
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    {
      "slug": "year-round",
      "name": "Year-Round",
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    {
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  "faqs": [
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      "question": "Will you be driving us?",
      "answer": "We drive you to the fishing or hiking location. You'll meet at our shop in West Shokan and we'll carpool to the water or trailhead from there.",
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    {
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      "question": "What species of trout can I catch with Ashokan Outdoors?",
      "answer": "Ashokan Outdoors targets Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Brook Trout. Anglers can expect opportunities for trophy brown trout on various Catskill waters.",
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    {
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      "question": "Where can I change into my waders and boots?",
      "answer": "Most anglers change into waders and boots roadside at the river access points. There are no dedicated changing facilities, so plan accordingly.",
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    },
    {
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      "question": "What types of fly fishing techniques does Ashokan Outdoors offer?",
      "answer": "The guide service offers instruction and trips for dry-fly, nymphing, and streamer fishing. They cater to various skill levels and seasonal hatches.",
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    {
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      "question": "I'm very experienced. Can you just guide me to the best locations?",
      "answer": "Yes. We understand that the experienced angler values time on the water above all else. We'll guide you to great (some remote) spots, show you what insects the fish are interested in, and get out of your way.",
      "category": "fishing",
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    {
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      "question": "What waters does Ashokan Outdoors fish?",
      "answer": "Ashokan Outdoors fishes iconic Catskill Mountain waters, including the Beaverkill, Esopus Creek, Neversink River, and the Upper Ashokan Reservoir.",
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    {
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      "question": "I'm very inexperienced. Can you help me?",
      "answer": "Absolutely. We love teaching beginners. It is a great feeling to help a beginning angler catch their first trout on a fly. We'll provide patient, hands-on instruction every step of the way.",
      "category": "fishing",
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    {
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      "question": "Does Ashokan Outdoors provide gear and flies?",
      "answer": "Yes, Ashokan Outdoors provides gear and flies for their guided trips. This allows anglers of all levels to focus on the fishing experience.",
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      "question": "I have a mixed group of ages and levels. Can you accommodate this?",
      "answer": "Yes. One guide can usually handle up to three people. Beyond that, we'll arrange a second guide to make sure everyone gets the attention they require.",
      "category": "booking",
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      "question": "Will I have to do a lot of hiking?",
      "answer": "It depends on the trip. We offer everything from easy access fishing spots near the road to more remote locations that require some hiking. We'll match the trip to your preference and ability.",
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      "question": "Is it customary to tip a fishing guide?",
      "answer": "Yes, tipping is customary. Standard gratuity is 15-20% of the trip cost, though it's always at your discretion based on the quality of service.",
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      "question": "Will there be cell service?",
      "answer": "Cellular phone service can be sketchy in the Catskills and in many of the areas we will be fishing and hiking it will be non-existent. Around the Ashokan Reservoir you will get service until just past Boiceville with occasional service in Phoenicia. Be prepared to be off the network for a while.",
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  "destinations": [
    {
      "slug": "beaver-kill-ny",
      "name": "Beaverkill River",
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      "primary": true,
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  "primaryDestinationSlug": "beaver-kill-ny",
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  "species": [
    {
      "slug": "rainbow-trout",
      "commonName": "Rainbow Trout",
      "category": "freshwater",
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      "seasonalityNotes": "Wild populations in the Esopus Creek average 8-12 inches, with trophy fish exceeding 20 inches. They are present year-round, with peak action often coinciding with warmer months and insect hatches.",
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      "seasonalityNotes": "Abundant due to annual stocking by NYSDEC, these cunning trout offer a challenging pursuit. They are present year-round, with fall often being a prime time as they become more active and potentially larger.",
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      "category": "freshwater",
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      "seasonalityNotes": "Native to the Catskill streams, these trout thrive in cold, oxygen-rich headwaters. They are typically found in smaller, more remote tributaries and are a rewarding catch for those seeking a pristine wilderness experience.",
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