In Trout Town USA, Fly Fishing Enthusiasts Celebrate the First Cast

Fly fishing season has arrived in Trout Town USA – or Roscoe, New York to most New Yorkers.

April 1 marked the opening day for fly fishing season. Since the 1940s, fly fishing enthusiasts and local residents in the Catskills have met at the popular Junction Pool to cast trout and celebrate a ceremonial first cast from Trout Town USA. Judy Van Put, renowned angler, sportswriter, and late wife to celebrated fly fisher Ed Van Put, made the first ceremonial cast on Tuesday morning.

Fly fishing is a fishing technique where fishers angle a special fly rod to catch different fish species, like brown trout and rainbow trout. In March, New York State Department of Environmental Conversation Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton announced the department would stock the state’s streams and ponds with 1.8 million brook, brown, and rainbow trout. Some streams will receive fish every other week for two months to provide season-long opportunities for anglers.

Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar reported live from opening day the morning of April 1st and brings us this full report from Roscoe, New York.

Correction: An earlier version of the story included the incorrect name of the Trout Town Flies owner. His name is Joe Rist, not John.

Photo Credit: Kimberly Izar, Radio Catskill