Wild caught in the Catskills
The same wooded and watery wonder that drew the first lumberjacks and outdoorsmen to the Catskills more than a century ago still calls adventurers today. With vast forests, pristine rivers, and abundant wildlife, this region remains a haven for those who find peace in the pursuit. Thanks to decades of conservation and responsible wildlife management, the Catskills’ ecosystems are thriving, for fishers, hunters and nature alike.
Trout Town, USA
Steeped in tradition and history as old as the Catskills themselves, fly fishing in the Catskills is a way of life, not just a pastime.
Its rivers and creeks—the Beaver Kill, Willowemoc, Neversink, Callicoon and Mongaup, along with the East, West and Main branches of the Delaware River—are revered among anglers worldwide. Many even consider these shimmering waters the birthplace of American fly fishing, and they have the legends to prove it.
No wonder Roscoe proudly bears the title Trout Town, USA. It’s a place where the art of casting and the love of the river are part of everyday life.
Get hooked
There is no better place to tie your first or 500th fly, than Dette Flies. Established in 1928 by Walt and Winnie Dette, it is the oldest family-owned fly shop in the United States. Step inside for gear, guidance, and stories from generations of anglers who’ve turned fishing into an art form.
Nearby, outfitters like Trout Town Flies and Covert Creek Outfitting offer casting lessons, custom hand-tied flies and guided trips through the Catskills’ most storied waters. For a deeper look at the region’s conservation efforts, stop by the Catskill Fish Hatchery in Livingston Manor, where New York State’s stewardship of native trout continues to keep these rivers alive and thriving.
Aim high
When hunting season rolls around, the Catskills exchange rods for rifles. Covert Creek, led by longtime outdoorsman Joe Heusinger, offers guided upland bird hunts across the region. Their skilled pointing dogs and deep local knowledge make for an unforgettable experience in the woods—whether you’re tracking pheasant, grouse or woodcock.
At Catskill Pheasantry & Clays in Long Eddy, visitors can take to the fields for guided hunts or refine their aim on the sporting clays range and five-stand course. New to the sport? No problem. No license is required when training under their licensed professionals, making it an ideal introduction for beginners eager to learn the craft responsibly.
Top Catskills hunting & fishing spots
- Beaver Kill River (Roscoe): Known as the “Cradle of American Fly Fishing,” this legendary stream is home to wild brown and rainbow trout, with scenic pools and wading spots ideal for beginners and experts alike.
- Willowemoc Creek (Livingston Manor): Peaceful, shaded and teeming with trout, this picturesque creek winds through forests and farmland and is a locals’ favorite for classic dry-fly fishing.
- Neversink River (Neversink): One of New York’s first designated “no-kill” trout waters, the Neversink offers pristine conditions and challenging currents for seasoned fly fishers.
- Delaware River System: The East, West and Main branches provide world-class fishing for trout and smallmouth bass, plus breathtaking scenery along their winding courses.
- Catskill Pheasantry & Clays (Long Eddy): A premier upland hunting destination with expertly guided bird hunts, trap shooting and a welcoming environment for newcomers.
- Covert Creek Outfitting (Roscoe) – Offering year-round guided fishing and upland bird hunts, this locally run outfitter blends skill, tradition and the Catskills’ natural beauty into every outing.
Whether you’re knee-deep in a legendary trout stream or following the sound of wings through the trees, this is where old traditions carry on and every cast or shot is a connection to something timeless.
