Catskill Guiding Service
Status: enriched
Mark Salkowitz has guided fly anglers on the Catskill rivers since the early 1990s, building deep expertise on the Beaverkill, Willowemoc, West Branch of the Delaware, and East Branch of the Delaware. He reads the seasonal rhythms of these legendary waters with precision — spring and early summer hatches, summer dry-fly opportunities, autumn streamer fishing for trophy browns, and winter's quieter but rewarding cold-water periods. Currently on a book-writing sabbatical, Salkowitz remains the definitive voice on Catskill fly fishing, known for technical instruction and an ability to match the hatch across all seasons.
Details
- Species: Brown Trout
- Tags: Advanced, Intermediate, Couples / Honeymoons, Drift Boat, Shore / Wade Only, Fly Fishing, Wade Fishing, Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter, Year-Round, Dry Fly, Nymphing, Streamer, Full Day, Wade Trip, Float Trip, Instructional, Catch & Release, Freshwater
- Credentials: state_fishing_license — New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation
Waters Serviced (11)
| Destination | Type |
|---|---|
| Willowemoc Creek | river |
| Roscoe | city |
| Beaverkill River | river |
| Hancock | city |
| Deposit | city |
| Livingston Manor | city |
| West Branch Delaware River | river |
| New York | state |
| East Branch Delaware River | river |
| Catskill Mountains | region_colloquial |
| Little Delaware River | river |
FAQ — Catskill Guiding Service
Raw guide data (JSON)
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"answer": "A nine-foot rod equipped with a 4 or 5-weight floating line is most appropriate for the majority of Catskill rivers. In the right hands, a 3-weight outfit can be a nice match on the freestone rivers, but not on the tailwaters. Early and late in the season, as well as during periods of higher flows, a 6-weight rod may be preferable. If you had to pick just one tool for the Catskills, however, a nine foot rod for 4-weight line would be the best choice.",
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"answer": "Catskill Guiding Service primarily targets brown trout. These fish are found in the premier trout rivers of upstate New York.",
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"answer": "Over the past few years, I have switched to mostly using furled monofilament leaders. They cast beautifully and are more versatile than their tapered monofilament counterparts. The best casting furled leaders I have found are made by Joni, the Utah Flygoddess. I usually order the six-footer with a micro swivel at the end.",
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"question": "What waders and boots are recommended for fishing in the Catskills?",
"answer": "Breathable chest-high waders are the gold standard. While you will only be wading in water that is two or three feet deep, most of the time, it is still advisable to have chest-high waders. Most can easily be converted to waist-highs. A wading belt is always a wise choice. Felt-soled boots are the best choice for local rivers.",
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"answer": "Catskill Guiding Service operates on the premier trout rivers of upstate New York, including the Beaverkill River, Willowemoc Creek, and both branches of the Delaware River.",
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"question": "What should I wear for fly fishing in the Catskills?",
"answer": "I attended a seminar presented by Wendel (Ozzie) Ozefovich on trout vision. I have a newfound appreciation for the importance of wearing subdued colors and avoiding contrast. This is not to suggest that fly fishers should turn to camo. They should not! The take away lesson is to avoid white hats, tropical colors, and shiny silver reels. While the trout don't mind if you wear jeans and a T-shirt, you will be much more comfortable with wicking fleece under your waders and a fast-drying, technical shirt. Leave the jeans and T-shirt in the car. Whenever wading, it's always a good idea to have a dry set of spare clothes just in case.",
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"question": "What additional items should I bring on a Catskill fly fishing trip?",
"answer": "Additional items include a NY State fishing license, polarized sunglasses (brown lenses), sunscreen and hat, non-DEET bug repellent (DEET ruins fly lines and waders), rain jacket, flashlight, compact waterproof point-and-shoot camera, and a waterproof pouch for your cell phone.",
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"question": "What should I know about the weather and clothing for the Catskills?",
"answer": "The weather can change frequently in the Catskills, and rain usually creates excellent fishing conditions. A raincoat or light shell is standard fare in the Catskills. Even in the middle of summer, the evenings can get chilly. You'll want to bring along an extra fleece or \"puffy.\"",
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"question": "What lodging and dining options are available in Roscoe and Hancock?",
"answer": "Lodging includes Creekside Cabins, Roscoe Motel, Riverside Cabins, and Reynolds House. Dining includes Raimondo's Pizzeria, Roscoe Diner, Riverside Café, and Courtyard. When planning to fish the West Branch exclusively, you may want to consider staying in Hancock, NY instead. The Hancock House is a fine choice for both lodging and dining.",
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"question": "What are the directions to Roscoe for a Catskill fishing trip?",
"answer": "Roscoe (zip code 12776) is located off exit 94 on NY Route 17 (future I-86). It is a mere two hours from the George Washington Bridge.",
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"answer": "September and October provide outstanding fishing opportunities. The largest trout of the season are usually caught in the autumn. As the trout are looking to fatten up before they spawn, streamer fishing also becomes quite productive. Autumn in the Catskills comes without the crowds, and with the added bonus of breathtaking northeast fall foliage.",
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"question": "How do weather conditions affect trout fishing in the Catskills?",
"answer": "During the summer, keep an eye out for overcast and rainy days. Those kinds of weather conditions make for the best trout fishing. Consider, for example, that as barometric pressure drops, the pressure on the surface of the water also decreases. Insects must break through the meniscus in order to hatch. Insects hatch when conditions are most favorable to their survival. The lower air pressure associated with rain presents an ideal window of opportunity for good hatch activity. This is just one of several reasons why dreary weather triggers trout to feed.",
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"question": "What are the ideal river flow rates for fishing the Beaverkill and West Branch?",
"answer": "The Beaverkill fishes well between 100 and 500 cfs. The West Branch fishes well between 250 and 1000 cfs for wading purposes. When the river is above 1100 cfs, a boat becomes necessary.",
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"question": "At what water temperature do trout become stressed?",
"answer": "Trout like water temperatures between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. As water temperatures near 70, trout become stressed.",
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"question": "What are some things to do besides fishing in the Catskills?",
"answer": "No trip is complete without visiting the Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum located 15 minutes away in Livingston Manor, NY. Besides the CFFCM, Roscoe's Main Street is lined with little antique shops and boutiques. The Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY is about one and a half hours north of Roscoe. For those looking to get in a round of golf, there is the Tennanah Lake Golf Resort.",
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