At last, my Catskill Summer has arrived, though it comes in the garb of springtime. Storms and high water continue to keep this dry fly angler at bay. This season it seems has kept me waiting for the fishing that most stimulates my soul, the careful stalking of the best of our wild trout with the dry fly!
Thunder drove me to consciousness yesterday, as we were assailed with severe weather warnings from early pre-dawn hours. The west side of the Catskills proved most vulnerable this time, with flows on the recently gentled West Branch Delaware rushing to a peak of some 6,550 cfs! Though the flows have dropped considerably this morning, Cannonsville Reservoir is spilling again this morning.
I hear that people were fishing the Beaver Kill and Willowemoc late yesterday, the worst of the storms failing to wreak commensurate havoc upon the heart of the Catskills. Alas, we now must face a heat wave that will drive water temperatures up!
Seven years ago, I “celebrated” my new retirement and finding a small home in these Catskills in similar manner; by not going fishing. It was a high-water year, and continued to be throughout the summer, keeping me away from the rivers of my heart. This year looks to be an anniversary in effect.
None of us know how much time we have here, and as the years pass, I feel that more acutely. Precious hours lost upon bright water are lost forever.
I wait and hope, like all who feel the call of the rivers.
Bright Waters Catskill 