Remembering President Jimmy Carter The Fly Fisherman

Former President Jimmy Carter died at 100 on Sunday, December 29.

He was a peanut farmer turned President. A humanitarian, statesman, novelist, Nobel Prize Laureate, and…fly fisherman.

Forty years ago, President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter made a historic five-day visit to Sullivan County. They were invited to fish the Beaverkill and take part in fundraising events for the newly established Catskill Fly Fishing Center.

Judy Van Put is a long-time member of the New York State Outdoor Writers Association, and with her husband Ed, she was one of the community members who hosted and fished with the President and First Lady. She shared her memories of their 1984 visit.

Programming Note: Radio Catskill will broadcast NPR’s Special Coverage of two key upcoming events marking the life and death of former President Jimmy Carter:

Tuesday 1/7: Special Coverage of the service in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, where Carter’s remains will lie in state. Time: 2:30 pm – 4 pm ET.

Thursday 1/9: Special Coverage of the State Funeral service at the Washington National Cathedral. Time: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM ET.

Image: President Jimmy Carter fly fishing in Sullivan County in 1984. (Credit: Ed Van Put)