Well, the forecasters had us all wound up for another winter storm but didn’t count on the strong winds from a nor’easter that’s blowing hard enough to push the line of the storm to the south of the Catskills. NYC has been snow poor this winter but they seem to be getting their fill this morning.
Things are shaping up for Flyfest 2024, the current incarnation of the winter fly tying festival began by the late Dennis Skarka a good many years ago. I hope Dennis looks down on this February’s last Saturday and has a smile on his face when he watches this year’s gathering of Catskill fly tyers young an old.
The Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum is presenting Flyfest on Saturday, February 24th from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM, hosted by the Catskill Fly Tyers Guild and Trout Unlimited. Once again, we are fortunate to hold the event at The Rockland House, 159 Rockland Road in Roscoe, New York. I cannot say enough about the incredible support the Rockland House provides for the fly-fishing community here. The kitchen will be open for lunch so we can all enjoy one of their wonderful meals!
There will be a good showing of Catskill fly tyers from the Guild and elsewhere, and everyone who attends is welcome to join us in tying trout flies; experts, beginners, and everyone in between. Come, share your ideas, your questions, or your inspiration for the next great trout fly to tempt the wily Catskill trout!
Our Guild has been bolstered by a number of new members this year, and there are a number of new fly tyers among them. Learning about and acquiring good quality materials can be difficult for new tyers and, thanks to our friend Charlie Collins, we are able to provide some help. At the Guild’s request, Charlie has graciously provided a very nice selection of his beautiful dry fly rooster capes that we will have available for sale at Flyfest. If you have never tied with Collins hackle you are in for a treat! His natural colors are gorgeous, and his feathers wrap beautifully and float your flies high. There will be capes available at very affordable prices, another thing that tends to be important for new fly tyers.
Fly tyers are asked to register prior to the event, as a good count of tables to set up will help us host another great event. You may register and purchase tickets from the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum’s website: http://www.cffcm.com. Click on Events, then click the Flyfest banner and Buy Tickets. Adult admission is $10 to support the Museum, and kids twelve and under get in free. If you want to bring your kit and tie, you will register there. Tyers may also email the Museum’s Program and Events Coordinator, Todd Spire at tspire@cffcm.com to register.
Bright Waters Catskill 