New York's Catskill Mountains are where American dry fly fishing was born, and rivers like the Beaverkill, Willowemoc, and Delaware system continue to define eastern trout fishing. The upper Delaware's wild rainbow and brown trout fishery is one of the best in the Northeast, while the Adirondacks hold brook trout in pristine mountain ponds and streams. Private water access in the Catskills and Hudson Valley opens stretches of these storied rivers that have been in the hands of fishing clubs and estates for over a century.
New York
New York
New York
New York
The Catskill Mountains are considered the birthplace of American dry fly fishing. Pioneers like Theodore Gordon adapted British chalk stream techniques to Catskill rivers in the late 1800s. The Catskill style of fly tying and the region's rivers — especially the Beaverkill and Willowemoc — have influenced fly fishing culture for over a century. Many private stretches remain managed in the tradition of the original fishing clubs.
The West Branch of the Delaware below Cannonsville Reservoir is a cold tailwater that supports wild rainbow and brown trout in sizes unusual for the Northeast. Fish over 20 inches are common, and the river's prolific hatches of sulphurs, March browns, and green drakes rival any eastern fishery. Private bank access avoids the heavy pressure on popular public pools.
The Adirondack region and upper Catskills hold excellent brook trout fishing on private land. Many Adirondack ponds and small streams on private preserves have been managed for native brook trout for generations. AnglerPass listings include backcountry pond access and stream fishing that reaches fish rarely seen by the public.
Join a fly fishing club on AnglerPass and access private waters across New York and beyond.