Every year, anglers all over this great land eagerly await the largest fly hatches of the season. In the East, particularly in the Catskills, fly fishers wait for the green drake hatch, which occurs right around Memorial Day. more

When was the last time you took a good look down— more

Allow me to share with you a story from this past week. It is both one that I wish never happened and one that I could hardly keep from sharing in The Way Out Here.  more

Most people have witnessed it at one time or another. A small bird dives at another, larger bird. Or perhaps a lot of smaller birds vocalize in the same tree in which a larger bird happens to be … more

We planned to go fishing on June 2, but when the weather report forecast an 85 percent chance of showers for the western Catskills, the trip was canceled. Next morning, when my friend checked in, … more

You ever feel like that famous race between the tortoise and the hare? Either you got lots of things done really fast and then, after a quick nap, you realize you still didn’t meet your deadlines. Or maybe you’re trudging along steadily, unsure that you’re even getting anything done until finally it all comes to fruition.  more

While walking on a forested footpath in Pike County, PA recently, I nearly stepped on a fawn lying quietly among leaf litter and emerging ferns. The dappled light and the fawn’s cinnamon-colored fur pocked with white spots merged to create the perfect camouflage for the tiny white-tailed deer fawn to remain unobserved as I passed by, oblivious to its silent presence. more

On both sides of the river in our region, there are timber rattlesnakes that occupy suitable habitats. They are not common; for that reason, they are protected to some degree, depending on the state. The state of New York lists them as threatened. The state of PA de-listed them several years back, but they are a species of special concern. more

Some years ago, my friend Roger and I found a good hatch of mayflies on one of our favorite rivers. It was Hendrickson time in the Catskills, with a good number of duns that were beginning to hatch, and right around 2 p.m. We had good sport that afternoon, deciding to call it a day right around dinner time. As we were getting ready to leave, I happened to look up at the late afternoon sky, just as the sun was sinking behind the mountains to the west. The angle was just right, and the fading light cast its last rays on thousands of glinting wings, as the Hendrickson and red quill spinners began their mating dance.  more

Spring is a time of expansive abundance. more

Rain, rain, go away, but please come back another day. Preferably a weekday, when I’m stuck inside between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., with enough days before the weekend to dry up nicely.  more

In my circle of angling friends, the subject of caddisflies rarely comes up. That is, unless one of us happens to be on a river where caddis are actually hatching. Then there will be talk, most … more

LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY — “We live and breathe the rich and colorful history of Catskill fly tying,” reads the first cast of the mission statement posted by the Catskill Fly Tyers … more

If you live near trees or forest land, you may have seen tiny black caterpillars last spring around the middle of May, gradually getting larger as the month ended. When tiny, they were all dark, and people asked, “What are they?”  more

PARKSVILLE, NY — Sullivan 180, Sullivan Renaissance and the Sullivan O&W Rail Trail Alliance is celebrating National Trails Day on Saturday, June 4 beginning at 9 a.m. more

When in bloom, one of the more easily identifiable native plants to be found in the Upper Delaware River region is “Jack-in-the-pulpit” (Arisaema triphyllum), a delightful spring … more

I often refer to the camera roll on my phone when looking back at the past week or so, as I’m deciding on a topic to share. While it’s always fun to talk about those quirky stories … more

JEFFERSONVILLE, NY — On May 12, 70-some Sullivan West elementary school kids released 500 brown trout fingerlings into the cold, pristine waters of Callicoon Creek. The school is partnered … more

If you happen to see a bald eagle nest while paddling the river or from across the lake, you will probably first notice the size. They are massive nests constructed of sticks. more