Full-Fledged Fly-Fishing

A work of art ... Artist Cole Johnson shows one of his graphite drawings to Family Times reporter, Sarah B., and FFS staff member Pete Jacques.

Fly-Fishing Expo Makes Splash on the Delaware

By Erika C.

The Catskills is one of the top destinations in the country for fly fishermen. World-famous Junc­tion Pool, birthplace of American fly-fishing, is nearby, and the wild trout fishing in the “big river,” the Delaware, is among the best in the world.

April 16 and 17, The West Branch Angler hosted its first Fly- Fishing Expo. The resort, sport­ing goods shop, and restaurant is located on the Delaware and is a fisherman’s paradise for a week­end getaway.

Matt Batschelet owns the re­sort and restaurant, along with his brothers. Guest can fish on the river just steps from their cabin, go on a guided river trip with one of their expert guides, or fly fish in the stocked trout and bass pond.

The Angler hosted the expo as a way to kick off the season and get “young blood” interested in this unique hobby. “Usually these expos are far away and cost mon­ey; we thought it would make perfect sense to have one here,” said Batschelet.

The Expo was held on the riv­er and was run all day to attract visitors. Manufacturers with new and improved gear set up stations around the grounds to show off their new products. Casting dem­onstrations and lessons for chil­dren were provided, and art work displayed by graphite artist Cole Johnson was shown in the restau­rant.

Author and fly fisherman, Art Lee, and his wife and photogra­pher, Cris, were also at the Expo with their books Fishing Dry Flies and For Trout on Rivers and Streams. “I started fly-fishing when I was in diapers,” said Lee.

As well as being an author, Lee wrote for newspapers in Al­bany and Washington, D.C for many years, but stopped to pursue his love for fly-fishing. He and his wife continue to fish and spend time on the river.

“I got into fly-fishing because it was a great way to be involved with the wildlife around me,” said fisherman and FFS staff Pe­ter Jacques. “Rivers are beautiful places to be anyway.”