Climate Change is Putting the Catskills’ Fly Fishing Tradition at Risk

In the Catskills, cold streams have shaped a world-renowned fly fishing tradition for generations. But today, rising temperatures and stronger storms are putting that fragile ecosystem — and the fish it supports — at risk.

“ They (flooding) erode the banks. They get rid of all the indigenous trees that the roots hold, the hold, the structure of the stream back,” Doug Kluthe explained. Kluthe is a licensed fly fishing guide based in Phoenicia, New York. Kluthe grew up in the area where he learned from his grandfather, a contemporary of fly fishing legends like Lee Wulff and Art Flick. Like the fly fisherman that came before him, Kluthe is also a conservationist.

“Without those key trees and bushes, it prevents the flies from having a place to breed.”

The New York State Climate Impact Assessment has reported that as waters warm, conditions may not support fish species that require colder water, like the prized indigenous fish of the Catskills, brook trout.

Kluthe explained the trepidation he has experienced in recent times because of the sensitivity of New York’s native fish.

“ All of a sudden we’re in a heat wave, for the last two weeks, and they (clients) really wanna go fishing and the water is up to 69, 70 degrees,” said Kluthe. “It’s really hard for me to take people out and fish for trout ’cause I know there’s a really good chance you’re gonna kill these fish, so either I have to find water that’s gonna be less affecting the trout’s health, or I have to target different species.”

For more information:  Catskills Fly Fishing Guide Service.