One hundred miles from New York City, the Catskill Mountains have gained worldwide fame as the birthplace of American fly fishing. In the late 1800’s, Theodore Gordon refined this style fishing in the Neversink area of the central region of the Catskills. Since then, anglers from around the world visit the Catskills’ pristine waterways, which are home to some of the best fly fishing in the Northeast. Rivers like the Esopus are the perfect environment for varieties of trout to thrive in the peaceful environment of pristine mountains and clear, cold water.

These days, fly fishing is seeing a surge of interest—particularly by the young adult crowd. With a new generation of people opting to spend cash on experiences rather than things, fly fishing is the perfect respite, where anglers literally immerse themselves in the river or creek and its surrounding scenery. Even if you don’t catch anything, as Henry David Thoreau so eloquently said: “Many go fishing all their lives without knowing that it is not the fish they are after.” The search for a perfect spot, and the mediative act of casting is downright addicting.

Ready to go fishing this spring? Enter: Esopus Creel. Whether you’re a first-timer who’s looking for an immersive weekend, or a pro looking for a great guide and an all-inclusive experience, this Catskills-based company wants to provide anglers of all ages with a weekend of fishing and fun.

The Esopus Creel Experience

Esopus Creel is offering two separate weekend experiences in the spring 2017 season; both are immersive and all inclusive. The first is May 5-7 in West Shokan. The group will be provided lodging at the lovely Ashokan Dreams, in three dual-occupancy suites. The B&B is downright cozy, decorated in the rustic comfort reminiscent of the Adirondack “Great Camps,” with views to die for. Ashokan Dreams is perched on a mountain top overlooking the beautiful Ashokan Reservoir. The expansive views make it a much sought-after wedding spot—but one of the owners, Chet, is a fly-fishing guide with a soft spot for Esopus Creel. Aside from the stellar lodging, the Esopus Creel experience includes:

  • Two full days of guided fly fishing, all gear included. Beginners welcome!
  • Meals: local breakfasts, stream side lunches, and a private chef for Friday & Saturday dinners
  • Live music ‘round the campfire
  • A photographer to document the weekend—so you don’t have to.
  • Streamside presentation, “What Trout Eat,” by Aaron Bennett of Catskill Mountain Club

Can’t make the first one? Check out the second weekend this season, taking place June 9-11 in Phoenicia. This time guests will be staying at The Glass Mountain Inn, voted “best rustic lodging” by Hudson Valley Magazine. The rooms are “Catskills cool,” dotted with original fine art and precious Catskills ephemera. The Glass Mountain Inn is located just across the street from Stony Clove Creek, arguably one of the first blue-ribbon fly fishing destinations in America. It’s also accessible from NYC by bus, making transportation to and from the weekend easy for New Yorkers!

For more information about either weekend, check out EsopusCreel.com or email founder Todd Spire, todd@esopuscreel.com. Happy angling!