Before You Go - Fly Fishing | Ashokan Outdoors

Preparation for Guided Fly Fishing Trips

We will provide:

Fishing rods, reels, lines, flies, snacks and drinks. Lunch (for full day trips)

Please bring with you:

Waders and wading boots. We will be wading in the rivers and streams to reach some of the best fishing areas in the Catskills. Please bring your own waders and wading boots if you have them. If not, we have many common sizes available for rent. If we don't have your size - we can help arrange rental gear.

Please acquire in advance:

New York State fishing license. This is mandatory for anglers age 16 and over. There are single and multi-day license options for NY resident or non-resident. You can get a license online here:

https://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6091.html

NYC DEP Watershed Recreation Permit—Ashokan Outdoors is licensed (by NYC DEP) to guide clients on NYC watershed properties but permits are required to enter these lands, Luckily the NYC Watershed Permit is free and can be acquired here: https://a826-web01.nyc.gov/recpermitapp/

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions about what to bring for your trip.

Here are some more suggestions:

Be ready for rain. Please bring a rain jacket. Short jacket is best when wading with long-sleeved quick-dry shirt —
Hat with brim can be very helpful - for rain and sun protection.
Under your waders: long comfortable leggings, preferably polyester or fleece that breathes. Try to avoid heavy cotton.
Non-cotton socks (you might want to bring a couple pair)
Extra set of clothes in case you take an unexpected river dip. I happens more than you'd think ;)
Something warm (seasonal) fleece/wool jacket, pullover, or vest
Sunglasses are almost a must. Polarized lenses are the best for seeing river bottom
Your preferred Sunscreen. We will have some that you can use.
Bandana can be helpful for sun and insects.
Your preferred Insect repellent. We will have some that you can use.
Waterproof case or lanyard for your cell phone
Fingerless gloves (seasonal)
Headlamp/flashlight - sometimes we stay out until dusk if fishing is epic.

If you wish to bring your own rods and reels:

Bringing your own equipment is a great idea. Please let us know in advance so we can review your gear and ensure all is well.
8.5 or 9-foot rod with a 5 or 6 weight forward floating line is most versatile for Catskill rivers and streams.
3-4 weight rod can be appropriate for smaller streams.

Some Misc. Advice:

Dress in layers and think about bringing some extra clothes. The weather can change very suddenly up here in the Catskills and it gets colder on the water than you’d expect.
Most anglers slip their waders on and off outdoors from the back of a truck, so wear something underneath that you are comfortable wearing in public.
Wear that sunscreen. UV can be very strong along the water.
Wear that insect repellent. This has become more important in recent years.
Bathrooms are accessible at several area restaurants. Some more remote spots may not be as bathroom accessible –– we’ll try to plan our trip to accommodate your needs.
For full day trip we’ll provide picnic lunch. For half-day trip we will have snacks and a cooler. If you have special dietary needs or preferences, please let us know so we can try to accommodate. If you have food allergies we ask that you please bring your lunch.

SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Will you be driving us?

No. We will meet at beginning of our trip and from there we will move around as needed. You should bring your own vehicle and we will lead you to stream or trailhead.

Where can I change into my waders and boots?

Most anglers slip off their waders on the roadside by their vehicles and wear whatever they have on underneath into local establishments. That said, there are lots of anglers in these parts, so you’ll definitely see some wearing gear in a restaurants and bars.

I’m very experienced. Can you just guide me to the best locations and help me with gear if needed?

Absolutely! We have decades of experience fishing and hiking in this area and have guided anglers of all levels. We understand that the experienced angler values time on the water above all else. We'll be happy to direct you to licensing and gear providers, guide you to great (some remote) spots, show you what insects the fish are interested in, and get out of your way.

I’m very inexperienced. Can you help me if I have no fly fishing knowledge?

Yes! We have decades of experience in this area and have guided with anglers of all levels. We love teaching beginners. It is a great feeling to help a beginning angler catch their first trout on a fly.

I have a mixed group of ages and levels. Can you accommodate this?

Definitely. One Guide can usually handle two or three people, beyond that, we will arrange to bring in a second guide to make sure everyone gets the attention they need.

Will I have to do a lot of hiking?

It is up to you. We can introduce you to easy access places with fairly flat entries or we can show you some challenging oﬀ grid spots that require substantial hiking.

Is it customary to tip a fishing guide?

Whether the fish are biting or not, it's customary to tip a helpful, hard working, and knowledgeable guide.

Will there be cell service?

Cellular phone service can be sketchy in the Catskills and in many of the areas we will be fishing it will be non-existent. Around the Ashokan Reservoir you will get service until just past Boiceville with occasional service in the town of Phoenicia. Be prepared to be off the network. But don't worry .. that will be a good thing.

Our Information:

Ashokan Outdoors
John Yanzek - Owner & Lead Guide
187 Watson Hollow Road West Shokan, NY 12494
(917) 232-9951 cell

ashokanoutdoors@gmail.com

Preparation for Guided Fly Fishing Trips

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